Henry B. Mertes, Jr
On February 2, 2016,
Henry B. Mertes, Jr. rode up to that big garage in the sky, with family by his
side. Waiting for him was his beloved wife, Bev, who preceded him in death
nearly 10 years ago.
Henry, also known
as “Hank,” was born on June 22, 1932, in
du Lac
Mertes.
On February 12,
1955, Henry married Beverly Wiedenmeier. Their 51-year marriage blessed them
with four children: Sherry Saiki, Jewell (Steve) Ehlert, Tammy (John) Guelig, and
Henry “Chip” B. Mertes, III. He loved to joke around with his eight
grandkids: Daniel and Deanna Saiki,
Jennifer (Chris) Olsen, Sydney and Nicole Ehlert, Gabrielle, Alyssa, and Skylar
Mertes. Henry is also survived by his sisters: Audrey DeMarb and Yvonne Buechel; his sister-in
law, Marilynn (Cecil) Adamson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He
will be greatly missed by many, including all his family, friends, and kind
neighbors.
He was preceded
in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly; sister-in-law, Karen Wiedenmeier;
and brothers-in-law: Edgar DeMarb and LeRoy Buechel.
Henry was an avid
motorcycle competitor from his youth until age 38, winning over 100 trophies
for hill climbing and scramble racing. He played on many softball teams over
the years, not hanging up his catcher’s mask until the age of 70. In
retirement, Henry developed a passion for golf and squealing the tires of his
Mustang convertible. In the winter, he kept busy helping friends with snow
removal, playing Hand and Foot, and never getting enough hits in his dartball
league. He also loved playing Sheepshead with family, whenever the opportunity
arose, offering plenty advice on playing the game “right.”
Always ready to
help a friend in need, Henry built a great circle of friends in the community.
He never hesitated to share his honest opinion about anything with anyone. He
loved all things mechanical and had endless curiosity leading him to a lifelong
career of fixing cars, trucks, lawn equipment, and other small engines. He
worked as a mechanic at Service Bakery, Spector Freight, Service Motors, and
eventually retired from Badger Liquor in 2002. Henry also co-owned a service
station on the corner of Division and Marr Streets, opening it in the late
‘60’s.
FUNERAL SERVICE: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated
at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2016, at Holy Family Parish,
Way,
VISITATION: The visitation will be from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
on Sunday, February 7, 2016, at
Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory,
Lac
the time of service.
Burial will be in
Please direct
memorials to the American Lung Association, www.lung.org.
A special “Thank
You” to the ICU staff at
for their compassionate care during Henry’s last days and to Dr. Weber for her
caring, but firm, way with Henry, allowing him to live out the last few years
of his life independently.
Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel
& Crematory is serving the family, www.kurkimachfuneralchapel.com.