Roy Mertens

Roy L. Mertens, age 85, of Staples, passed away late Monday evening at the Lakewood Health Care System Hospital in Staples. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, November 13th, at 11:00 AM, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples, with Father Ron Schmelzer officiating. Visitation will be Friday November 12th, from 5-7 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, with rosary and parish prayers at 6:30. Burial will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Roy was born on March 24, 1925, to Carl and Lucy (Tils) Mertens, in Staples, MN. He married Lois (Hall) on March 19th, 1946 and he began working on his dream of owning his own farm; by starting out on the family farm from 1946 - 1950. On March 1, 1950, he purchased their farm from Ben Jaquiss, where they, for many years, dairy farmed and lived until October 1988.

Between May of 1950 and 1953, Roy and Lois lived between Staples and Hibbing, while Roy worked in the mines. In 1953, they moved back to Staples permanently and resumed farming. In August 1953, Roy started working for Great Northern Railroad. He worked in the yards as a switchman, and later as a brakeman, for 34 years until retiring in April of 1987. Roy was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church; and he belonged to the Knights of Columbus and The United Transportation Union. Roy loved his family and his friends, faith, farming and a little fishing, while looking at life with an easy going manner and humor.

Roy is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lois; children, Bradley (Deanne), Russell (Elizabeth Ann), Creig (Ione), Arnold (Nancy) and Darla (Gary) Hoemberg; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters and 7 brothers.

To leave a message of comfort and support for the family please visit www.brenny.com

Arrangements are entrusted with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Staples.

Submitted by:
Brenny Funeral Chapel
894-1910