Dale Mertens

In memory of Dale Michael Mertens
1949 - 2010

Dale Michael "Swede" Mertens was born on March 15, 1949 to Clarence and Opal (Stave) Mertens in Bertha, MN. He grew up and attended school in Staples, MN graduating in 1968. After graduation he worked at Round Horse Construction in Minneapolis, MN. In 1970 Swede worked as a truck driver for Midwest Coast Trucking. From 1973 to 1982 he worked for Burlington Northern Railroad in Staples, Bemidji, and St. Cloud. After a back injury he worked for American Security Corp. In 1984 he attended St. Cloud AVTI for heating and air conditioning. In 1985, Swede started his own air conditioning and heating business, called "Masters Refrigeration" in Brainerd, MN. He also worked for Robert's Sand and Gravel and the Lake Edward Township as a road foreman. He was also a business partner with Security Services in Pequot Lakes, MN. Swede was forced to retire in 1992 due to a previous back injury.

He had two daughters, Sheila Marie and Sandy Joline from his first marriage. In 1977 he married Evelyn K. Miller from Bemidji, MN. Together, they had daughters Lisa Ann and Bobbi Jo.

In 2004 he moved from Brainerd, MN to a farm in Staples, MN, where he resided until his death.
Swede enjoyed ice fishing, playing cards, restoring Ford tractors with his older brother Roger "Fritz". He liked to keep busy on his hobby farm in Staples and spending time with his family. Dale was liked and loved by many people and was always willing to help family and friends when it was needed. Dale also loved to hang out and work in the "shop" with many friends and relatives, or whoever showed up. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends!

His is survived by his wife, Evie; daughters, Sheila (Bill) Hoyer of Eatonville, WA, Sandy (Dean) Gregory of Eatonville, WA, Lisa Ann Mertens of Staples, and Bobbi Jo Sterling of San Diego, CA; his father, Clarence of Staples; brothers, Gary (Dot) of Staples, Clyde (Deb) of Staples, and Jerry "Jiggs" (Janet) of Staples; sisters, Linda (Frank) Haisman of Staples, and Anita (Darrell) Hove of Staples; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his mother, Opal; brother, Roger "Fritz"; and great-nephew, Tyler.