Obituaries

Brian Mertaugh DeWick, age 75, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died peacefully on May 5, 2025. He was born on December 17, 1949, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Lionel “Lee” and Frances Ann (Mertaugh) DeWick.

Brian grew up in Hessel, Michigan, and attended the Hessel School House through second grade before graduating from Cedarville High School. He went on to attend both Ferris State University and Lake Superior State University with great friends and had some equally great times. Throughout the course of his life, he worked alongside his grandfather, father, uncles, cousins, and brother restoring wooden boats and doing marine mechanics at E. J. Mertaugh Boat Works where his love for the water and boats took root. It was in St. Ignace that Brian met the love of his life, Elisabeth Luoma. They were married on October 9, 1982, beginning a life together marked by love, laughter, many Yooper adventures, and shared passions.

Brian was happiest outdoors—deer hunting, ice fishing, boating, tending his bird feeders, or spending time at the cabin. He also loved motorcycle rides across the US and Canada on his 1974 Honda, grilling on the deck, and was the chef in the household. Friends and family knew not to call during Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune, and his nose could always be found in a book or the newspapers. A loyal sports fan, Brian proudly cheered on the Detroit Lions and Tigers, and all MI collegiate teams. Brian will be remembered for his kindness and warmth, jolly laugh, work ethic, storytelling, and the joy he found in simple pleasures. He loved his wife dearly, beamed with pride of his daughter, and adored his grandson who inherited his trademark 'Mertaugh mulleys.' He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Brian is survived by his wife, Elisabeth; daughter, Caroline (Kristopher) Franz; grandchild, Sawyer Franz; brother, Timothy DeWick; sister, Melissa DeWick; sister-in-law, Maria Flores; sister-in-law, Judith Donckers; and several cousins, nieces, and a nephew who will all miss him dearly.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Frances; sister, Maeve Fitzgerald; and several of his extended Mertaugh family.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, MI 49774 starting at 10:00 AM. The Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow at the Islander Bar in Hessel.