Richard “Rick” Merz, 57, of Asbury, died Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Per Rick’s request, no services will be held.

Richard was born on May 21, 1967, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Donald E. and Joan M. (Close) Merz.

Rick enjoyed listening to sports radio and music. At Grand Meadows, he was known to take song requests from the staff and always had song recommendations for every mood and occasion. He also loved experimenting in the kitchen with different recipes and dishes.

He had recently taken to playing bingo and participating in other activities at Grand Meadows, but his favorite thing to do was spend time with his family.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Rick include His father, Donald Merz, Durango, IA; his daughters, Tirzah (Brogan) Richardson, Dubuque, IA, and Faith (Timothy) Villegas, Humble, TX; his siblings, Kathy Blackwood, Durango, IA, Jackie Rogers, Cassville, WI, Larry Merz, Dubuque, IA, and Chris (Sheila) Merz, Dubuque, IA; and his grandchildren, Isla, Eleanor, and Otto Richardson, and Bodie Villegas.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Joan (Close) Merz and his brother, Jeff Merz.

Rick’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful team in the Finley ICU as well as the staff at Grand Meadows, the place he called home for the last year of his life.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Richard’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.