Edward Mergens

Edward Martin Mergens
"Big Ed"

Ed was born on April 6th, 1935 in St. Paul, MN to Edward and Ruth (Schieble) Mergens. Ed, along with his parents and younger brother Earl, grew up in the West 7th area of St. Paul, where they owned and operated two grocery stores.

Ed attended St. Thomas Academy and went on to graduate from the University of St. Thomas, earning a B.S. degree in Education. While in college, Ed played for the "Tommie's" football and basketball teams and was known by classmates as "Meatball Mergens". He will always be remembered for his infamous hook shot. During this time he also served 2 years in the U.S. Marine Corp.

Ed and Audrey married in 1958 and he took on his first teaching job in Farmington, MN. After 5 years in Farmington, he accepted a new teaching position at Simley High School, in Inver Grove Heights, where he taught and coached another 25 years.

Ed and Audrey retired in 1990 and moved to Hackensack, MN where they built their retirement home on Portage Lake. He enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing, wild ricing, maple syruping, woodworking, golfing, and spending time with his grandchildren. Ed's giving nature was evident in the numerous hours that he volunteered with various community organizations.

Ed was known as a "gentle giant", a community leader, and one that would go the extra mile to help anyone. He was known for his honesty, compassion, and story telling. A good friend said it best; "There are a few people in a community that are people one seeks out; not necessarily for what they say, but by what they do. Ed was one of those special people and will always be remembered for his examples of character."

Ed's legacy lives on through his children, Beth (Tom), Brenda (Bill), Brad (Brenda), Ben (Denise), Barb, Bruce (LeeAnn), and Bonnie (Brad). He was Grandpa to: Joe, Alissa, Tim, Anna, Matthew, Tyler, Mindy, Nicole, Ashley, Theresa, Megan, Sam, Mike, Ed, John, Bryce, Kylee, Abby, Maddie, and Blake.

His parents preceded him in death.

Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hackensack. Burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Hackensack.