Obit: Mertens, Francis R. (1963 – 2017)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Mertens, Kowalski, Howe, Lang, Kaszubowski, Kenseth, Nitz, Noble, Triebs

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 22 Feb 2017

Mertens, Francis R. (9 OCT 1963 – 18 FEB 2017)

Francis R. “Frank” Mertens Jr., age 53, of Dickinson, ND, formerly of Thorp (Clark Co.), Wis., passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, with his family by his side. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 24, 2017, at St. Bernard-St Hedwig Catholic Church, in Thorp. Rev. James Kowalski will celebrate Mass and burial will follow in St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Thorp. Military rites will be conducted by the Thorp American Legion Post #118. Visitation will be held at Thorp Funeral Home on Thursday, February 23, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a 7:30 p.m. rosary service, and again on Friday at the church, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Francis Roy Mertens Jr. was born on October 9, 1963 in Stanley, WI, to Francis and Helen (Howe) Mertens r. He was raised on the family farm and received his education in Thorp. Frank enlisted early into the U.S. Army at the age of 17, in the summer of 1981, officially graduating from Thorp High School in 1982. Upon completion of basic training, Frank was selected into the 82nd Airborne, an airborne division of the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Thorp and worked on the family farm. He was united in Marriage to Pamela J. Lang on March 25, 1989, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church. They later divorced. Frank worked as a farmer most of his life. After the family farm was sold in the late 1990’s, he held various jobs until becoming employed with Menard’s, where he worked until the time of his death.

He had many interests and enjoyed hunting, the Packers, and was a Matt Kenseth fan. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and family.

Frank si survived by his children: Tracey (Kevin) Kaszubowski of Thorp; Travis (Janelle) Mertens of Eau Claire; Tyler Mertens of Eau Claire; Kayla Nitz of Thorp; six grandchildren: Triton, Trevin and Tate Kaszubowski, Owen, and Everlee Mertens and Joselyn Triebs; one sister, Becky Noble of Bruce, Wis.; four brothers: Mark Mertens of Withee, WI; Doug Mertens of Wisconsin; Joe (Joann) Mertens of Stetsonville, WI; Todd Mertens of South Dakota; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Frank’s family would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.