Opal Mertens

Opal Marie Mertens, age 86, of Staples, passed away at the St. Cloud Hospital on Sunday, February 21. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 27, at 10:00 AM, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7, with a Rosary and Prayer service at 6:30, and one hour prior to the service at the Brenny Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples. Opal Marie Mertens was born on April 29, 1923, the daughter of Roy and Clara (Olson) Stave. She grew up on the farm and walked 2 ½ miles to country school until the 8th grade. At 11 years old she would work during the summer taking care of 4 kids and the house for $.50 a week so she could buy school clothes. After her schooling she continued to do housework and baby sitting until 1940. In May of 1940 Opal went to work in Staples for Worlies, Drakes, and Kilburys. In June of 1941 she went to Sleepy Eye, MN, to work at the corn cannery. On November 26, 1941, she was united in marriage to Clarence Mertens 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. They lived in California while he took his training and then was sent overseas. Her sister, Ruby, came to California and helped her get back to Minnesota. Clarence returned from the Service in August of 1945. They settled in Staples where she was a helpmate, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. From 1964 until 1980 both Opal and Clarence were licensed auctioneers. Opal was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Foresters, and Church Circle. Among the things she enjoyed doing were knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, fishing, traveling, and raising flowers. Opal is survived by her husband of 68 years, Clarence; children, Gary (Dorothy) Mertens, Dale (Evelyn) Mertens, Linda (Frank) Haisman, Anita (Darrell) Hove, Clyde (Debra) Mertens, Jerry (Janet) Mertens, and daughter-in-law, Marilyn Mertens; 20 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; 1 great, great grandchild; siblings, Pearl (Matt) Hoemberg, DeLona (Edward) Hoemberg, Kessell (Barbara) Stave, Ronald (Sharon) Stave, Royce (Beverly) Stave, Darrell (Connie) Stave, Shirley (Martin) Duis; in-laws, Delores Stave, Dale Canfield, and Marvin May; also many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Roger; great grandson, Tyler; siblings, Russell, Carol, Gerald, and Ruby; and sister-in-law, Lorraine Stave;. 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