Merton Louis "Mert" Whaley, age 55 years, died on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 21, 1956 in Milwaukee to Richard and Betty (Evans) Whaley. Mert lived in Packwaukee until he joined the United States Navy in which he served from 1974 to 1978. He worked at Portage Tire for over 30 years where he was known as the "Tire God". He was married to Lori Rogers in 1983 and later on June 24, 1989 was united in marriage to Renee Skinner. He has lived in Endeavor since 1987. Merton loved his children and family especially spending time with Trinity working in the garden. He loved being outside, hunting or fishing and also was a huge Green Bay Packer fan. Survivors include - Wife - Renee of Endeavor; 2 Daughters - Tanya Whaley of Fond du Lac and Emily Whaley at home; 2 Grandchildren - Trinity Heitke and Evan Farr; 1 Sister - Jeri Whaley of Portage; 3 Brothers - Mark (Lisa) Whaley of Packwaukee, Steve (Teri) Whaley of Packwaukee and Scott Whaley of Packwaukee; Sisters in law and Brothers in law - Donna (Terry) Myers of Endeavor, Shar (Mark) Weber of St. Louis, John (Jeanne) Lobeck of Oxford, Nate Haley of Endeavor and Kate (Tom) Phoenix of Portage; and Nieces and Nephews - Chris (April) Whaley, James (Erin) Whaley, Robyn (Adam) Jordan, Leslie Whaley, Cassandra Whaley, Zach Whaley, Paige Whaley, Andy Weber, Matt Weber, Richard Myers, Dani Burns and Dylan Haley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grandparents and Father and Mother in Law. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 1:00 PM at the Picha Funeral Home, Portage with CLP Brenda Pulver officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at the Underhill Cemetery, Packwaukee. Friends may call at the Picha Funeral Home, Portage on Saturday from 11 AM until 1 PM. The family would also like to mention that the benefit fundraiser will still be held on April 16 at the Oxford VFW. Service Details.