William Mercer

William R. “Bert” Mercer age 83 of Presque Isle
passed away September 3, 2010 at Tendercare Health Center
of Rogers City

He was born February 17, 1927 in Detroit
to Dr. Richard and Margaret (Bergman) Mercer

Bert grew up in Highland Park. He served in the United Sates Army during

World War II. On October 15, 1948 he married Muriel Rathbun in Highland Park.
He graduated from Michigan Tech University in 1952. Mr. Mercer worked as a
registered civil engineer for the Oakland County Road Commission for 30 years as a
department head in engineering, construction permits, and maintenance departments.
He lived in Waterford for 32 years and served on the planning commission for

7 years. He and his wife, Muriel retired to Presque Isle Harbor in 1984 where he
served on the township planning commission and as a trustee for 8 years. He also
served as a director on the PI Harbor board for 8 years. Bert enjoyed hunting, fishing
and spending time at the family cabin on Grand Island in Grand Lake. The Mercers
wintered in Arizona for 20 years where he and four friends spent many hours hiking
in the Superstition Mountains. He and Muriel celebrated their 61st wedding
anniversary on October 15, 2009. Bert will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by:
loving wife, Muriel;
children, Drs. Mark (Johnna) Mercer of Harbor Springs,
Dr. Craig (friend, Shawn) Mercer of Sault Ste. Marie, MI,
Carol (Kurt) Jensen of Centreville, VA, and
exchange student daughter, Paulette (Carlos) Coelho of Ventura, FL;
grandchildren, Douglas Salo, Eryn, Alex, and Julie Mercer,
Laura Brown and Diana Robbins,
Melanie Cavendar,
Elise, Keith, Raffella, Gabriel, and Paloma Coelho;
1 brother, John (Marilyn) Mercer of Midland;
son in law Bill Salo.

He was preceded in death by:
daughter, Dawn Salo;
parents, Dr. Richard and Margaret;
sister, Margaret Mitchell;
brother, Alexander Mercer:
daughter in law, Donna Mercer

Cremation Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home. A memorial service
will be held at the Presque Isle Lodge on Sunday, September 12th at 11:00 a.m. with
Pastor T.K. Foo officiating.

Inurnment will take place in the Presque Isle Township Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of the Sunrise Shore or Huron Shores Humane
Society.