Chad Mertens

Chad “Moose” Mertens, 47, of Motley, MN died peacefully with his family by his side, Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at his home. Services for Chad will be 4:00PM, Monday, May 7, 2018 at Motley Free Methodist Church in Motley, MN with Pastor Jim Johnson officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 5-8PM, Sunday, May 6th at Motley Free Methodist Church and also one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples, MN.

Chad was born January 8, 1971 in Staples, to Gary (Gab) Sr. and Dot (Dobson) Mertens. He grew up in Staples and graduated from Staples Motley High School in 1989. Chad married Debbie Swaim on July 15, 1995 at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, MN. They made their home in Motley, where they raised their two boys, Brandon and Josh. Chad spent his entire work career at Trident Seafoods in Motley as the Assistant Maintenance Manager. He took great pride in his work and was very proud of his department. Chad enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, woodworking, and was known to talk on the phone for hours every night to friends and family. He would help anyone with anything, without question. Chad and Deb’s home had a “revolving door” policy-anyone was welcome to come to their home at any time to visit, share a meal, or even to stay for a period of time, if needed, to get back on their feet. Chad had a nickname for each of his close friends and family members, and he loved to give people a “hard time” and tease them. Family was the most important thing to Chad, above everything else.

Chad is survived by his wife, Deb of Motley; children, Brandon and Josh Mertens of Motley; parents, Gary (Gab) Sr. and Dot of Staples; brother, Gary Jr. (Boo) of Staples; sister in law, Laura (Craig) Freeman of Cheraw, SC; and many nieces; nephews; great nieces and nephews; cousins; uncles and aunts; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Dave and Sherry Swaim; grandparents, Clarence and Opal Mertens and Pat and Bonnie Dobson; uncles, Dale “Swede” Mertens and Roger “Fritz” Mertens. Services have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.