Obit: Mertens, Stephen (1942 – 1999)

Contact: Linda Mertens
Email: mertens@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Mertens, Kronschnabl, Bramucker, Keefe, Geohagen

----Source - Private Collection

Stephen Mertens (2 Jun 1942 – 10 Dec 1999)

After a long battle with melanoma, Stephen Carl Mertens died at his home in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 10, 1999.

Memorial services were held Dec.17 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Phoenix.

He was born June 2, 1942, in Dorchester to Carl and Helen (Kronschnabl) Mertens. He was an all-conference basketball player at Dorchester High School. He and Judy Bramucker were married in 1964.

During the 70’s Mr. Mertens was a manufacturer's sales representative. In 1981 he formed Desert Sportswear, the largest screen printing company in Arizona. After selling the firm in 1992, he founded Smart Designs. He pioneered the development of CD-ROM clip art and software for the screen printing industry.

For 18 years he was active in AA and served on the board of Valley Hope, Chandler and Crossroads Inc. He was also president of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Ariz.

Surviving are his wife Judy, of Phoenix, Ariz; a daughter, Nicole; a son, Craig; a brother, Tim Mertens, and a sister, Leatrice Keefe.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jeannine Geohagen.

Memorials may be made to the Steve Mertens Scholarship Program, 1845 E. Ocotillo, Phoenix, Ariz., 85016-1845 Christ the King Lutheran Church, 10030 N. 32nd St, Phoenix, Ariz., 85028.