Charles Mertens

Charles E. Mertens,73, of Staples, MN went into eternal rest at his home Thursday May 19, 2016. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon Monday May 23, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. Family and friends are invited to gather Sunday afternoon from 2� to 4 pm at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples and also one hour prior to Mass at the church on Monday. Luncheon and Interment at Evergreen Hill Cemetery to follow. Charlie was born to Joseph and Julia (Bittner) Mertens on the family homestead January 18, 1943. Everyone who knew him said he was kind, hardworking, liked having a good time and was a bit mischievous! Charlie attended the Sacred Heart Catholic School thru 8th grade, Staples High School class of 1961 and Wadena Technical College for Telephone Service in 1990. He served in the United States Army on the military railroad, was employed by Burlington Northern Railroad as a brakeman for 25 years, Mertens Construction owned by his brother Bob as a very skilled blade operator and Millers Plumbing and Heating as a plumbers helper. Charles married Marcia Hurst on June 3, 1967. Together they raised three daughters on a hobby farm west of Staples by his family Homestead. He enjoyed fishing, making spear fishing decoys, hunting, building birdhouses, gardening and tending his small orchard which all helped to instill patience in his children. When Charlie rode his Harley his friends and family would say they could hear him coming from over a mile away with Johnny Cash always playing in the 8 track. Many people still make comment on his unique skill of road grading which was like no other.
He is survived by his Mother Julia of Staples; daughters Charlene (Galen) Abbas of Staples, Marci (James) Harrison of Pine River, Jo (Ryan) Staydohar of Nashwauk; eight grandchildren Jay, Nic, Chris, Pete, Joe, Cody, Annie and Kallee; sisters Carol Ford, Margaret (Kerry) West, Margery (Ken) Haidle; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his father Joe, brother Bob, sister in law LuAnn, brother in law Keith Ford and niece Sarah. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.