Surnames: Mertens, Linzmaier, Chris, Knaack, Giljohann, Thorson, Welker, Hocking

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Sun., 28 Nov. 2004

-Mertens, Imogene "Imie" (10 Aug. 1927 - 27 Nov. 2004)

Imogene "Imie" Mertens, 76, of Withee, died Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004, in her home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Withee.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004, at Maurina Funeral Home in Owen. ----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Mon., 29 Nov. 2004

WITHEE - Imogene "Imie" Mertens, 77, Withee, died Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004, at her home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday Dec. 1, 2004, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Owen. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Withee. The Revs. Eric Linzmaier and Michael Mertens will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004, at Maurina Funeral Home, Owen. There will be a prayer service at 8 p.m.

Imie was born Aug. 10, 1927, in Owen, the youngest of six children of Charles and Rose (Chris) Knaack. Imie and Eugene Mertens were married on Jan. 14, 1950. She was a caring and generous wife, mother and friend, who was always there to offer comfort and support to those she loved. She has now lost her courageous 31-year battle with breast cancer. She was, and will always be, an inspiration and great role model for many others facing serious illness. She will be remembered for her positive attitude and great dignity throughout her life and will be deeply missed.

Imie is survived by her husband of 54 years, Eugene Mertens of Withee; her children, Jim Mertens of Withee, Lynn Mertens (Paul) Giljohann of Henderson, Nev., John (Christine) Mertens of Safety Harbor, Fla., and Mark Mertens of Green Bay; nine grandchildren; one brother, Donald Knaack of Pueblo, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Charles and Rudolph Knaack; and two sisters, Eleanor Thorson and Lenore Welker.

The family of Imie would especially like to thank her oncologist, Dr. William Hocking for 20 years of compassionate care for Imie and being a physician and friend. In addition, Imie and her family were blessed to have the services of the wonderful, caring hospice staff of Ministry Home Care, who helped make it possible for her to remain at home. Their kindness and commitment to Imie made a difficult time much easier to bear.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request masses or a donation in her memory to Ministry Home Care, Hospice Services, Marshfield.