April 17, 1938 – April 22, 2022
Obituary
Curtis Karl Merz, a.k.a” Mother Merz”, a.k.a “Uncle Dirt” completed his final pass on April 22, 2022 in Springfield, Mo at the age of 84. Following a brief hospitalization, Curt opted to return “home” to The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek, a nursing facility where he had gathered a loyal fan club during his seven year stay. Sandy Hopper and Rick Gilmore, long- time friend and neighbor, installed a personal Hall of Fame in Curt’s room, which enshrined and highlighted many of his lifetime achievements and passions. In this environment, Curt was surrounded by the staff and friends who loved him during his final days.
Curt was born to Frederick (Fritz) George Merz and Elise Marie Gruppe, both immigrants from Aalen, Germany, on April 17, 1938 in Newark, New Jersey, and was raised in Springfield NJ, along with his only sibling Norman Merz. Curt’s athletic prowess developed at Jonathon Dayton Regional High School where he received All State in football, track, and basketball. His high school recognized him as “Athlete of the Decade” 1950-1960. A football scholarship to the University of Iowa, not only bestowed a degree in geography, but also a banner 1958 year of recognition, when Curt was named Sports Illustrated National Lineman of the Week, All American End by Football Writers of America, team member of the Big 10 Champions, winners of the Blue-Gray Bowl and North South Shrine game. The crowning honor was winning the 1959 Rose Bowl. After playing in the Canadian football league following graduation, for both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Ottawa Rough Riders, Iowa called Curt back to be an assistant coach. Professional football scouts had other plans for Merz, and in 1962, he was drafted by the Titans, who then traded him to the Dallas Texans and Curt helped them win the 1962 AFL Championship. That team became the Kansas City Chiefs and #64, played offense and defense in the same game, just as he had done with the Texans. During his NFL career as a Kansas City Chief, he contributed to the Chiefs winning the AFL Championship in 1966 and played in the first Super Bowl in 1967. Curt’s stellar football performance earned him induction years later into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
After retirement from the gridiron, Curt pursued a career in sports broadcasting at WADF in Kansas City, with subsequent posts as a popular radio talk show personality at KMBZ in KC, where he earned the name of “Mother Merz” for captivating his faithful stay at home Mom listeners. This moniker followed Curt to Springfield, Mo where he created a similar morning post position at KTXR, the radio station from which he retired.
Curt’s many trophy fish and antique fishing gear collection are reminders of the hobby he shared with his wife Marilyn J Haas, who preceded him in death. In recent times Curt has transitioned from time at Table Rock Lake to “fishing” for hot stocks. His uncanny aptitude in this endeavor earned him the title of the “Cramer of Quail Creek”.
Survivors include Curt’s brother Norman Merz and his wife Nancy, his nephew Gary Merz and wife Elke, his niece Donna Lee Freeman and husband Stephan, grandnieces Anja Merz and Ava Merz, and grandnephew William Freeman, all life-long residents of New Jersey.
Friends and family are invited to attend a “Celebration of Life Tailgate Party” for our beloved KC Chief #64 on Tuesday May 3 from 3PM-5PM at The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek 1514 W. Lark (65810). Charitable contributions may be sent to Eden Village, where a house for the homeless will be constructed in Curt’s memory, 2801 E Division, Springfield, Mo (65803), or to the Salvation Army at 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, Mo. (65802). Online condolences can be made at www.gormanscharpf.com.
VIA: https://www.gormanscharpf.com/obituary/curtis-mertz
Recent Comments