Arthur E. Mertz, 75, sales manager for Crain News Service, died Friday in Palm Springs while on vacation. Mr. Mertz, a resident of the Near North Side, has been associated with Crain Communication Inc. for 45 years. He joined the firm in 1948, working for its publication, Advertising Age, in a sales capacity. He was the first publisher of Crain’s Chicago Business when it was introduced in 1978. He helped establish Crain News Service. Mr. Mertz, a lifelong horseman, was a member of the cavalry and later an officer in the Signal Corps and saw action on New Guinea and in the Philippines. Mr. Mertz started playing polo in 1947 and became a partner in the Chicago Polo Club. He played in local and international matches. He was a graduate of Northwestern University. Survivors include his wife, MaryAnn; and a daughter, Amy. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Chrysostom’s Episcopal Church, 1424 N. Dearborn Pkwy.
