Clarence Mertens

Clarence B. Mertens, age 89, of Staples, passed away at the Lakewood Hospital on Saturday, October 9. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 15, at 10:00 AM, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. The wake will be held Thursday evening from 5-7, with Rosary and Prayers at 6:30, at the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples. Burial will be at the Evergreen Hill cemetery in Staples.

Clarence was born on March 30, 1921, to Carl and Lucy (Tils) Mertens, in Staples, MN. He graduated from the 8th grade in 1935 and went to work, farming with his grandpa for a few years. In 1938, he joined the CCC at Bena, MN. In June of 1941 he went to Sleepy Eye, MN, to work at the cannery. On November 26, 1941, he was united in marriage to Opal Stave at Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Father Donnay. Following their wedding they built a house on a truck and went to work in the Mines at Colerain until Clarence was called into the Army in 1942. They lived in California while he took his training and then was sent overseas. He served in England and France. He returned to Staples in August of 1945. Clarence then went to work for Great Northern Railroad as a switchman. He and Opal also went to auctioneer school. In 1981 he was injured at work and retired. He and Opal then raised beef cattle and pigs, and milked cows. Clarence was a member of Sacred Heart Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling.

Clarence is survived by his children, Gary (Dorothy) Mertens, Linda (Frank) Haisman, Anita (Darrell) Hove, Clyde (Debra) Mertens, Jerry (Janet) Mertens, and daughters-in-law, Marilyn Mertens and Evelyn Mertens; 20 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 1 great, great grandchild; brother, Roy Mertens; also many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Opal; his parents; sons, Roger and Dale; great grandson, Tyler; and 8 siblings.

To leave a message of comfort and support for the family visit www.brenny.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Staples.

Submitted by:
Brenny Funeral Chapel of Staples
218-894-1910