Katherine Hellner

Katherine Ann (Mertz) Hellner passed away peacefully and joined her Lord on December 11, 2020. Katie was born June 15, 1971, to Donald and Judith (Snelling) Mertz in Saginaw, Michigan. She graduated from Frankenmuth High School in 1989 and obtained a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Northwood University in 1993.

After marriage, Katie and her family lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later in Palm Harbor, Florida, where she worked as a Doula. Katie and her family eventually moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Katie had a passion for babies and stray animals. She was a woman with a kind heart who loved people of all walks of life and backgrounds. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and her deep love for her children. Like many, Katie’s big heart was not immune to the effects of mental health issues and substance abuse that impact millions of Americans every year.

Katie was preceded in death by her beloved father, Donald J. Mertz. She is survived by three children; Alexis, Natalie, and Harrison Hellner; her mother, Judith Mertz; siblings, Susan (James) Boerger, Martha (Robert) Maccani, and James (Andrea) Mertz; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, two aunts, and many dear friends.

Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of Katie’s life will be held in the summer of 2021 in Tawas, Michigan. Donations may be made in her name to any mental health care, substance abuse, or animal care organization of your choice. Arrangements will be handled by McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, NC.