John R. Mertens, of Antigo, died Thursday, July 25, 2013 at Eastview Nursing Home in Antigo. He was 88 years old. He was born on August 30, 1924 in Antigo, a son of the late William and Edna (Abbott) Mertens. He married Mary Ann Wilcenski on July 2, 1967 at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, Antigo. She survives.
He was a 1943 graduate of Antigo High School.
He was a World War II veteran serving in the United States Navy from June 28, 1943 to 1946, stationed in the South Pacific.
After military service he worked on the railroad before becoming employed at Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Antigo where he met his wife, Mary Ann. He later went to work for Amron Corporation in Antigo, retiring in 1989.
Mr. Mertens was a longtime usher at St. Mary Catholic Church and later SS. Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church.
He was a member of the Monsignor Conrad Saile Council 1002 Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters.
Mr. Mertens was proud to assist and support a number of young Filipino men through seminary. He enjoyed playing tennis and pitching horseshoes.
Survivors include five sisters-in-law, Marie Mertens, Antigo, Muriel (George) Gill, Sheboygan, Dorothy Gallenberg, Deerbrook, Patricia Igl, Wausau and Sue (James) Krivoshein, Schofield; 2 brothers-in-laws, Alois Wilcenski, Antigo, and Edward (Rosemary) Wilcenski, Waukesha; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond, Marcellus, Leo, Jim and Archie; infant sister, Ruth Mertens; sisters, Sister Concepta Mertens and Lucy Nielsen, brothers-in-law, George Nielson, John and Eugene Wilcenski; sisters-in-law, Arlene Wilcenski, Evelyn and Dorothy Mertens.
A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at SS. Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church. Entombment will take place in the Queen of Peace Mausoleum. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and 9 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Bradley Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be held at 4:30 p.m. and the Knights of Columbus will recite the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. both on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
John Mertens was my Great Uncle and I will always admire him for his faith and putting many men through the seminary. He was always thoughtful and caring. For many years since my Grandfather (Raymond) passed away, he would drive my Grandmother (Marie) to Church and to the beauty shop every week! He always had a smile whenever I saw him! We will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary Ann and all of the family.
John was our grade school basketball coach at St. Mary's. He would walk by the basketball court behind the church where many of us practiced after school and give us encouragement and a few tips. John was one fine man. Very sorry for your loss.
I remember John at Amron, always helping lift the heavy crates for me. And the many times I met him while I was walking, always smiling, always stopping to chat awhile. My prayers are with you.
John was so very helpful at work (back when he worked at a Amron) and was such a nice guy. You are in our prayers...
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