----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 05/15/1890

Mertens, Michael (25 Jun 1860 - 7 May 1890)

Died, at La Crosse, Wis., on Wednesday May 7, 1890, of consumption, Michael Mertens of this village (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.), aged 29 years, 10 months and 12 days.

Michael Mertens was born at St. Anna, Calumet Co., Wis., Jun 25, 1860, and resided upon a farm with his parents until nearly of age, when he went to Milwaukee to learn the trade of a jeweler. In Jan. 1885 he came to this village and purchased Jacob Reich's furniture store, and adding a jewelry department to the business, continued the same since. After establishing himself permanently here he was united in marriage on Feb. 10, 1885 to Miss Kate Haidle of St. Anna, who, with three children, one son and two daughters, survive him. He was honest in all his dealings and a true friend to all. Thorp has suffered in his loss, an earnest upright businessman, whose position is not easily filled. For the past two years he has suffered much from the dread disease, consumption, which had fastened its grip on him, and sorely regretted the fact that he would be forced to leave his little family while yet so premature in years. Mike was a good neighbor and a staunch friend of The Courier, and we deeply deplore his untimely death. His remains arrived here on Thursday evening under the charge of his Uncle Henry Mertens, and the interment took place on Saturday morning from the Catholic Church, Rev. Father Joerres conducting the ceremonies. The mills shut down that day to allow employees to attend the funeral, which was one of the largest in the history of the village. He leaves, besides his wife and children, an aged mother, four brothers and three sisters, who all reside in Calumet Co., this State, and to whom the sympathy of the entire community is extended, in their great loss.