Brian Paul Merz

Brian Paul Merz, 52, of Munster Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 10, 2021. Brian was the proud father of Emery Grace Merz and Declan Richard Merz; beloved son of Diane Carol (James) Zawadzki and Richard Daniel (Tatiana) Merz; loving brother to Sherri Lynne (fiancée Michael Stout) Wolff; fun-loving uncle to Lauren Alyssa (Travis) Daily; Sarah Elizabeth (fiancée Brandon Sanchez) Wolff; Michael Joseph Wolff; great-uncle to Colton Joseph Daily; Savanah Grace Daily; Angel Elias Sanchez; life-long friend to Lisa Merz Michalski, Bill Stasiuk, Brian (Cindy) Smosna, Adam (Agnes) Kielczewski, Mike (Cara) Bencic, Craig Swieringa, and Dan Anderson. Brian was born on April 2, 1969 in Hammond, Indiana, and was a graduate of Lake Central High School. He went on to earn his BA in Telecommunications / Advertising in 1992 at Indiana University in Bloomington. Brian had a life-long career as an Account Executive in Media selling and buying airtime for national clients such as General Motors, Osco Drug, Corona Beer, and Valvoline. Brian held positions as Director of National Media at DMP and Chief Marketing Officer at BC Media & Associates. Fun Facts about Brian: • Die-Hard Pittsburgh Steelers Fan • Won 1st Place in Munster’s Chamber of Commerce “Chili Cook-Off” • Astonishing skier – thanks Brian Smosna for making him step out of his comfort zone and head down a black diamond trail when he didn’t know it 😊 • Voted “Most well-liked” at place of employment • Keen Movie Critic, which included always viewing a new release on the big screen, and on opening weekend, with popcorn and slushies Brian enjoyed traveling, skiing, fishing, concerts, baking cakes with Emery and long bike rides, which always included an ice cream break. Brian was an avid gamer, which skill he has passed down to Declan and Mikey, but most of all, he just loved spending time with his children, family and friends. Brian is remembered for his genuine character, quick wit, sense of humor, giant bear hugs, and a smile that could light up a room. Brian was a loving son, brother, father and friend, and will truly be missed by all whose lives he touched. A Memorial Service to celebrate Brian’s life will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021 with visitation from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., followed by a short Memorial Service (officiated by Pastor Rebecca Sundquist) and dinner at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home (8178 Cline Avenue Crown Point, Indiana). Please feel free to stand up and share a funny or heartwarming story about Brian during the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, Emery and Declan would appreciate a memorial donation in their Father’s name to www.sunshinepaws.org. Please share your fond memories of Brian with us on the Chapel Lawn website.