Funeral services for Mertice Nerene Schuhmacher, 93, of Albert Lea, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. The Rev. James Kassera will officiate. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Mert died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, at Good Samaritan Society.

Mertice Nerene Schuhmacher was born on Jan. 30, 1918, in Jackson County, to Alfred and Rachel (Hill) Espeland. She grew up in the Northwood area and attended school in Glenville. On Jan. 5, 1941, Mert was united in marriage to Carl John Schuhmacher at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle. Carl and Mert made their home in rural Albert Lea where Carl farmed and Mert enjoyed being a housewife. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where she was active in Ladies Aid. Mert was also a member of the Friendly Neighbors Club and enjoyed volunteering for Senior Resources. In her spare time, Mert enjoyed reading, puzzles, dancing, fishing, camping and especially playing Skip-Bo with her sister Ruth. Mert was a devoted mother and grandmother and enjoyed visiting with her family. Blessed be her memory.

Survivors include her son, Kraig and his wife, Korla, Schuhmacher of Albert Lea; grandsons: Kory and wife Shari Schuhmacher, Kyle and wife Jane Schuhmacher, Lee Jesse and friend Cheryl; granddaughter, Lynn and husband Jim Kelley; great-grandchildren: Alayna and Aiden Schuhmacher, Andrew, Matthew and Paul Schuhmacher, Ian Jesse; step-great-grandson, Michael Kelley; sister, Ruth Thompson; and many nieces and nephews.

Mert was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Rachel Espeland; husband, Carl; daughter, Pam Jesse; brother, Tolford (Ila Mae) Espeland; brothers-in-law: Ellard Thompson and Leon Schuhmacher; and sister-in-law, Doris Brooks.