Charles Mertens

Charles H. Mertens, 75, of Staples, MN passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at the Lakewood Health System Hospital in Staples. Services for Charles will be 11:00AM, Monday, September 12 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples, with Father Joe Korf officiating. Visitation will be 2:00-4:00PM, September 11 at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, with a prayer service at 4PM, and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Charles was born November 20, 1940 in Staples, MN to Lawrence and Violet (Lines) Mertens. He attended Catholic School in Staples. Charles started working for his dad with Mertens Plumbing and joined the Pipefitters Union in 1965. He worked on the Sherco Plant in Becker, the St. Cloud Penitentiary, and different schools. Charles married Carol Carlson on December 26, 1959 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples and they made their home in Staples. He later married Sandra (Harkcom) Bacon on July 7, 1983 in Sisseton, SD, she passed away in 1991. Charles retired in 1991 for health reasons. He liked collecting things and had a booth at the Batcher Department Store Building selling his "Treasures Galore". Charles also enjoyed going to the different casinos in the area and deer hunting with his children.

Charles is survived by his children, Carolyn (James) Triepke of Staples, MN, and Craig (Kelly) Mertens of Little Falls, MN; two step daughters; five grandchildren, James A. Triepke, Jeremy (Amanda) Triepke, Jennifer (John) Scheerle, Zachary Mertens, Carlie Mertens; siblings, Larry Mertens of Lincoln, NE, David Mertens of Wadena, and Don (LaDell) Mertens of Sioux Falls, SD; and his dog, Fred. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Violet; son, Tony and wife, Sandy. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.