Lawrence Mertens

Lawrence Fredrick Mertens, age 89, of Staples died at his home that he built in 1939 on Monday, April 26, 2004 surrounded by his loved ones after a long battle with cancer. Mass of Christian burial will be on Thursday, at 11:00 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples with Father Peter Kirchner officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples. Visitation will be from 4 - 8 on Wednesday at Brenny Funeral Home. Lawrence F. Mertens was born in Staples on August 27, 1914 to Anton H. Mertens and Mary (Schmelz) Mertens. Lawrence married Violet Line on December 2, 1935. During the war years, he worked as a core driller and later owned his own business as a plumber. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Knights of Columbus and a 37 year member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Union. He enjoyed cowboy movies, woodworking, traveling, dancing, but most of all his family. Lawrence is survived by 4 sons, Lawrence D. (GeorgiaLee), David F. (Marion), Charles H., Donald A. (LaDell), 16 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 1 sister; Grace Dorle, his best friend Mona Neznik and her family, along with many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceding Lawrence in death are his parents, 3 brothers and 5 sisters, his wife of 59 years Violet Mertens, grandson; Charles Tony Mertens, daughter-in-law; Sandra Mertens, grand daughter-in-law Kelly Hill-Mertens. The family would like to thank everyone for the love that has been shown by your prayers and support during these last several months.