Marie E. Mertens, of Antigo, died Monday, July 4, 2016 at Our Special Family under the care of her family and LeRoyer Hospice. She was 98 years old. She was born on July 30, 1917 in Antigo, a daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Kielhofer) Curtis. She married Raymond Mertens on April 16, 1937 at St. John Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on March 3, 1996.

Marie graduated from Antigo High School. She was employed at Service Dry Cleaners in Antigo for many years.

She was a member of SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church.

She enjoyed playing cards, embroidery, word search puzzles, bird watching and traveling. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Jeanne (Michael) Van Boekel of Yorkville, IL and Kathy (Dennis) Baginski of Antigo; six grandchildren, Cheryl (Michael) Soelke of Collierville, TN, Tom (Pam) Van Boekel of Yorkville, IL, Debbie (Jon) Olsen of Oswego, IL, David (Lisa) Van Boekel of Montgomery, IL; Bruce (Jody) Baginski of Antigo and Brian (Hope) Baginski of Antigo; 13 great grandchildren, Michael Ryan (Alex), Keegan and Kaylee Soelke, Tyler, Cameron and Kathryn Van Boekel, Kari (Ryan) Kostolansky and Kyle Olsen, Adam, Rachel and Sarah Van Boekel, Hannah and Gabriele Baginski; and a sister-in-law, Muriel Gill of Sheboygan. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by two sisters, Mina Kakes and Irene Kilsdonk; and a brother, James Curtis.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be held Monday at 4:30 p.m. and the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Services