Robert J. Mertens, age 90 of Danube, passed away peacefully Friday, June 12, 2015 after being diagnosed with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 17 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation is 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Burial is in St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
Robert Joseph Mertens was born August 23, 1924 to Henry and Cleo (Ruder) Mertens as the oldest of 8 children. He grew up on a farm near Delhi, Minnesota and graduated from Delhi High School. On February 17, 1949 he married Lorraine Raveling and in 1950 they moved to a farm near Danube, where they currently resided. Bob served on the Henryville Township Board as treasurer for 32 years, the Bird Island Creamery Board, the Mid American Dairy Association Board, and committees at the Bechyn Church. He enjoyed tractor pulls, especially enjoyed his Case tractors, and stock car races. Bob and his wife of 66 years enjoyed dancing to old time music, playing cards with friends, and camping. In retirement, he enjoyed wood working projects and spending time with his family.
Bob is survived by his wife Lorraine, son Larry (Vicki) Mertens of Redwood Falls, daughter Diane Mertens of Minnetonka, and son Duane (Cindy) Mertens of Danube. He is also survived by his grandchildren: David (Lisa) Mertens of Redwood Falls, Chad (Nikki) Mertens of Belview, Mariah and Patrick Winkels of Minnetonka, Michelle and Jason Mertens of Danube, Eric (fiancée Kelsey) Mertens of Fargo, ND; great grandchildren: Brian Mertens of Watertown, SD, and Jonathan, Jordan, and Ellie Mertens of Belview; brothers Anthony (special friend Barb) Mertens of Backus, Leo (Barb) Mertens of Wabasso, and James (Jeanette) Mertens of Redwood Falls; sister Shirley (Donald) Pohlen of Wabasso; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Joseph Mertens, and sisters Frances Violet Serbus and Mary Ann Barrett.
My sincere sympathy to the family of Robert Mertens.
No matter what the age it’s hard to lose a loved one.
May he rest in peace. And I pray that the family finds
peace and comfort from memories, pictures, and each other.
Mary Kay Kerkhoff
We wish to extend our sympathies on your loss. Bob was always fun to be around and I always enjoyed talking to him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Dear family, I stumbled across this when searching for Diane. I am earnestly grieved to hear of Bobs passing. It has been so many years since I spent time at your warm, welcoming home when I was 17/18 years old ! Now at 66 those times are still fond memories! Bob was always a fun guy and would cart Diane and I to Polka dances! Again my sincerest sympathies on your great loss.