Obit: Mertens, Eugene L. "Gene" (1928 - 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org    

Surnames: Mertens, Kelch, Knaack, Giljohann

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 03/03/2012

Mertens, Eugene L. "Gene" (26 FEB 1928 - 28 FEB 2012)

Eugene "Gene" L. Mertens, 84, of Withee, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012, at the Clark County Health Care Center in Owen.

Gene was born Feb. 26, 1928, the fifth of six children to Elva (Kelch) and Peter Mertens. He attended Withee High School and after graduation enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a med tech.

Gene was joined in marriage on Jan. 14, 1950, to Imogene "Imie" Knaack at the old Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen.

He worked with his father at Mertens Implement Company in Withee before taking the business over in 1952, until his retirement in 1998. His natural outgoing personality complemented his selling and repairing lawn and garden equipment where he was nicknamed (Gene one Pull) for his mechanical ability. In 1998 Gene celebrated 50 years in business.

Gene enjoyed golfing, traveling and family activities. He was an avid sports fan supporting all the local teams. He cheered the Packers on and enjoyed his collection of autographs and memorabilia from the different sports stars he had met over the years.

Gene will be deeply missed by his family and friends including his daughter Lynn (Paul) Mertens-Giljohann of Henderson, Nevada; three sons, Jim Mertens of Stanley, John (Christine) Mertens of Safety Harbor, Fla., and Mark (Colleen) Mertens of Green Bay. Gene leaves behind nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Imogene; sister, Ellen; and brother, Joe.

A service and burial of cremains will take place at a later date in the Riverside Cemetery in Withee.

Please send any memorials in Gene's name to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen. 

The Maurina Schilling Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be made to www.maurinaschillingfuneralhome.com.