Merta, Helen Marie

Helen Marie Merta, 82, of Fairfax, died Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at Blessed John XXIII with Father Dustin Vu presiding. Burial will be in St. John Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Brosh Chapel, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW, where there will be a 7 p.m. vigil service followed by a rosary.

Helen was born April 26, 1929, in rural Ely, the daughter of Frank and Mary Ann (Rehak) Dostal. She married Jerry E. Merta on Nov. 18, 1947, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Helen enjoyed sewing, baking kolaches, fishing, polka dancing and spending time with her family at picnics and get-togethers. She was the happiest being around her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her son, Dennis (Sharlene) Merta and their children, Brian, Lonnie and Denise; her daughter, Patricia (James) Brush and their children, Tamara and Jeremy; seven great-grandchildren, Jace, Teagan, Blake, Braylon, Reese, Ella and Tyler; her sister, Esther Kadlec of Robins; and a brother, Arnold “Arnie” (Marlene) Dostal of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; a brother, Marvin Dostal; and a brother-in-law, George Kadlec.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at.

Published in The Gazette Nov. 16, 2011.