Hamlin Mertens , 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 4 at Anna's House New Franken surrounded by his family. Hamlin was born on October 29, 1926 in Thiry Daems, WI to the late Louis and Emma (Ferron) Mertens. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII in the Philippines under General MacArthur. Upon returning home, he married Arlene Berger on May 18, 1948. Together they raised six children. Hamlin spent a majority of his life as a mechanic and a farmer. Though a Ford man at heart, he could fix anything that was brought his way.
Ham is survived by his children, Roy (Violet) Mertens, Mark (Helen, OOPS! We mean ELLEN) Mertens, Dennis Mertens, Julie (Dean) Hartwig, and Jill (Dave) Fameree; Twelve grandchildren, Chris (Amee) Mertens, Andi (Nic) Beining, Jennifer (Mike) Kaufmann, Missy (Kevin) Fleischman, Mike Mertens, Brandon Hartwig, Tasha Hartwig, Blair Wautlet, Whitney Pavlat, Tiffany Fameree, Josh Fameree, and Nick Fameree, and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Richard H. Mertens and sister, Emily Bader, brothers-in-law Louie Berger and Richard L. Mertens, and sister-in-law, Agnes Berger, along with many nieces and nephews.
Ham is preceded in death by his wife, Arlene, son, Gary, and granddaughter, Kaylee, his parents, and in-laws Louis and Cornellia Berger. He is also preceded in death by brothers, sisters, and in-laws, Margaret (Tony) Gallegos; Mike (Laura) Mertens, John (Celia) Mertens, Goldie (Mary) Mertens, Rose (Felix) Renard, Mary (Bill) Soquet, Louie (Helen) Mertens, Emma Mertens, Josie Mertens, and Harold Mertens, Henry (Josie) Berger, Alice (Joe) DeJardin, Elmer (Josie) Berger, Eli (Mabel) Berger, Rose (Kermit) Conard, Harris (Norma) Berger, Lucy (Joe) Virlee, Annie (Harry) LeCloux, Andrew (Victoria) Berger, Margie Berger, Madeline (Louie) Rass, Lawrence Berger, and Evelyn Mertens.
Visitation will be held at Wiesner & Massart Funeral Home, 1617 Flora Ave., Algoma, WI on Friday, April 7, 2017 from 4 to 8 pm. Visitation will continue from 9:30-11 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Algoma. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am with Fr. Peter Stryker officiating. Burial to follow in the church cemetery with full military rites. Online condolences may be shared here .
The family sends a heartfelt thank you to DaVita Dialysis for their 10 years of service, Anna's House New Franken for their 18 months of care, and Unity Hospice. The care, love, and friendship you provided to our father will forever be remembered.
