One of the most rewarding things we have discovered about running the lodge is how important Eagle Falls Lodge is to each and every one of our guests. Listening and sharing all of these special moments with our guests has made us realize what a special place we are all so lucky to share.
This week (Week 10) our guests arrived to celebrate the life of Dave Mertes a longtime guest of the lodge who passed away recently. We had not had the opportunity to meet Dave in person, but had grown to know him through his pictures that are scattered throughout the dining room tables. Seeing the pictures of Dave smiling and posing with his impressive fish made it easy to understand what a special person Dave was and what the lodge meant to him.
Dave’s son, Chad organized a group of friends and family to come to EFL this week to celebrate Dave’s life, spend time with friends, fish, have lots of fun, and most of all to remember how important family is. We were fortunate to be a part of this week and would like to share the week with you in pictures. We hope you see the spirit that filled the air this week!
Here Dave is with a 43″ Northern he caught back in 2014.
The Mertes Group
Chad Mertes
Chad Mertes
George Matykowsi, Chad Mertes, and Tom Mertes
Chad Mertes
Chad Mertes
Dan Appel holding a nice walleye.
Tom Mertes
Kyle Appel
Kyle Appel
Mike Olson with a very nice walleye!
Jerry Schulist
Chad Mertes
Terry Tigges and his granddaughter Natalie.
Natalie again with another nice walleye!
Natalie again with another nice walleye!
Chris Stuckel and Tom Mertes
Paul Sandry frying up some delicious shore lunch!
Those of our guests who visited before Week 10 will notice next season a new bench in Memory of Dave Mertes has found its new home on the deck of the big cabin.