Gary Mertens

Gary William Mertens (Gab) was born on February 10, 1947 to Clarence and Opal (Stave) Mertens in Bertha, MN. Gary, 75, of Staples, MN passed away after a short battle of emphysema that flared up after a bout of pneumonia. Gab passed away surrounded by his loved ones in the comfort of his home, on June 17, 2022. Funeral services will take place at 4pm on Monday, June 27, 2022, at Motley Free Methodist Church, in Motley, MN. A visitation will start at 2:30 pm at Motley Free Church on June 27, 2022. Interment will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery.

Gab spent his childhood on their family farm and attended the Sacred Heart Catholic School. Gab graduated in 1964 from the Staples High school where he also met his wife of nearly 55 years, Dorothy (Dot) Dobson, they were united as one on July 8, 1967. Gab worked with the Anderson Brothers after graduating for about three years before joining the Air Force in 1967 and served over seas during the Vietnam War for one year when he discharged in 1970. Gary returned home and worked for Northern Manufacturing for 20 years and moved to work for Todd County plowing and paving roads for 29 years.

Gab enjoyed fishing, hunting (in his younger years), and spending time on the farm. He really enjoyed spending time with his five grandkids, Kaitlyn, Sarah, Brandon, Daniel, and Joshua; six great grandkids, Braven, Carter, Reese, Cameron, Aurora, and Juneau.

Gab is survived by his wife Dot, and son Gary Jr. He is preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Chad, two brothers and one sister.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.