Kenneth Joseph Mertens
Kenneth Joseph Mertens, 80, passed away on December 26, 2023, surrounded by his family at the Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac. He was born on March 2, 1943, to Norman and Loyola Casper Mertens.
He attended St. Mary’s Grade School in Marytown and graduated from New Holstein High School. After high school Ken enlisted in the US National Guard.
Ken married Sandra Abler, the love of his life, on September 11, 1965, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mount Calvary.
He worked at Michels and Andrew Excavating. After retirement he went to work at the School Sister of Notre Dame.
Ken was the Mount Calvary Village President from 2000 to 2007. He served as the village Fire Department President for 25 years and was an active member and President of the Holyland Snowfliers Club.
Ken had many hobbies that he enjoyed, including playing golf and watching the Brewers, Badgers and Packers, but most of all he loved attending his five grandkids sporting events.
Ken is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughter, Jody (Bob) Heus and their children, Taylor (Josh Scott), Carson and Owen (Ashley Lisowe); daughter-in-law, Stacey Mertens and her children Logan (Brianna) and Kaine (Sydney Lavey); siblings, Dyanne (Sham) Crowley, Joan (David) Nickel, and Nick (Jane) Mertens. He is further survived by siblings-in-law, Kay (Bill) Seibel, Susan (Joe) Stephany, Michael (Joannie) Alber, Mary Joan (Mark) Winkler; and other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jamie Mertens; grandson, Robert Michael Heus; sister, Darlene Mertens; his parents; his parents-in-law, Leander and Alfreda Abler.
Visitation: Ken’s family invites relatives and friends for a time of visitation at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 308 Calvary Street, Mount Calvary on Saturday, December 30th from 9:30 to 12:30 PM.
Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 PM at the church. Ken will be laid to rest, next to his son, Jamie, in Holy Cross Cemetery.
In keeping with Ken’s spirit, the family will be providing flowers, memorials may be made in Ken’s name to Club 44 Foundation.
Online condolences can be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.