Peter Maerz passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. He was surrounded by his loved ones including his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and siblings.

     Pete was born January 19, 1959 in Keokuk, Iowa to Carl and Helen Maerz. Both of his parents preceded him in death. Pete was the youngest of his siblings and was also preceded in death by his brother Larry and his brother-in-law Gary Wood.

     Pete's first marriage was to Susan Cobb and they had one daughter, Devyn (Maerz) Budde. Pete later married Melodie (Harrington) Maerz and they shared 25 years together before his passing.

     Pete graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School in 1977. He went on to work at Hubinger's before going to Henniges Automotive (then Sheller Globe) where he worked for 32 years as an engineer and technical writer before retiring.

     He helped early on with the wiring and electrical work for the City of Christmas and led a grief support group in Keokuk.

     Pete is survived by his wife, Melodie Maerz; daughter Devyn Budde and son-in-law Craig Budde, as well as his grandchildren: Storm Budde, Ziah Hoelscher, Scarlet Hoelscher, and Dean Budde. Pete is also survived by his stepchildren Steven Thompson (Angel Thompson) and Rebecca Younk (David Younk) and his step-grandchildren: Taylor Thompson, Aiden Thompson, Dusty Younk, and Sailor Younk.

     Pete is additionally survived by his siblings: Joan Wood, Michael (Sue) Maerz, Steven (Sheila) Maerz, Paul Maerz and his fiance Shelley Walden, and Susie (Paul) Westermeyer. Pete's surviving family also includes 23 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

     Pete was a beloved husband, father, and brother who will be truly missed.

     Friday, February 9th, visitation will be held from 5-7pm at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with a Rosary preceding at 4:30pm.

     Services will be held Saturday at 11am at All Saints Church with Reverend David Brownfield, Ph.D. officiating.  A luncheon will be held afterwards at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

     Donations in his memory can be made to St. Vincent's Catholic School in Keokuk or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com