Bio: Mertens, Michael G. – Rev (25 Years in Priesthood – 1970)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Mertens, Lamovec

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 17 Sep 1970

On Wednesday evening, September 9, 1970, the Rev. Michael Mertens, pastor of Holy Family Church, Willard (Clark Co., Wis.), was honored for 25 years in the priesthood. A special mass and parish dinner were held in the church and parish hall.

Father Mertens arrived in Holy Family Parish in June 1959 from La Crosse, where he had been an assistant to the bishop of the La Crosse Diocese. He also had been an instructor in Catholic schools in La Crosse and Eau Claire. He served pastorates in Soldiers Grove and Viroqua.

A native of Thorp, he was graduated from St. Bernard’s Catholic School in Thorp, and then attended St. John’s Prep School, College and Seminary in Collegeville, Minnesota. He was ordained a priest September 2, 1945.

His congregation at Willard consists of members residing in Willard and rural areas toward Fairchild, Thorp, Greenwood and Neillsville.

Henry Lamovec served as master of ceremonies at a reception Wednesday evening. Special floral and other decorations were furnished by Holy Family Congregation.