Christian Biography of Charles "Chuck/Charlie" Henry Mertens

Charles Henry Mertens, the son of Henry and Theresa (Bencken) Mertens, was born on January 18, 1932 in Bethune, Colorado. He passed away on April 14, 2017 at the Brodstone Memorial Hospital at Superior, Nebraska at the age of 85 years, 2 months, 27 days.

Chuck was one of 13 children. He was baptized in St. Charles Catholic Church, Stratton, Colorado by Rev. Edward Muenich. Chuck attended St. Peters grade school in Willowdale, Kansas. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Superior, Nebraska.

On June 8, 1954 he was united in marriage to Dolores Gilsdorf in Lawrence, Nebraska and to this union 6 children were born. She preceded him in death on May 20, 1963. He was united in marriage to Susan Sandra Sawicki on December 28, 1963 and to this union 3 children were born.

He served in the Armed Forces during the Korean War.

For the majority of Chuck's life he was a welder owning his own shop just West of Superior. Chuck was a member of the American Legion, Eagles Club, Superior Volunteer Fire Department, and the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dolores, and four brothers, Herman, Bernard, James, and John as an infant, his sisters, Clara Murray, Odella Stevenson, Theresa Ward, Mary Ann Martin, Agnes Daniels and Eleanor Hageman.

He is survived by his children Rosanne Price and husband Steve of Lexington, Kentucky, Cynthia Jennett and husband Don of Lincoln, Nebraska, Michael Mertens of Hastings, Nebraska, James Mertens of Bocos Del Toro, Panama, Charleen Mertens and Clint Bostock of Pauline, Nebraska, Joyce Oeltjen of Salina, Kansas, Robert Mertens and wife Lisa of Juniata, Nebraska, Michele Kerns of Pensacola, Florida, and Theresa Moore and husband Jon of Gulf Breeze, Florida; 20 grandchildren: Tessa Caldwell, Ryan Price, Brena Jennett, Nichole Jennett, Stephanie Rumbaugh, Nathan Mertens, Tyler Mertens, Anthony Mertens, Andrew Streff, Alisha Streff, Joshua Oeltjen, Amber Oeltjen, Lisa Ferguson, Stephanie Hackler, Isaac Mertens, Claire Mertens, Trevor Kerns, Madison Kerns, Julia Moore and Jenna Moore; 12 great grandchildren: Elizabeth, Logan, Noah, Michael, Ashton, Vendell, Andy, Haley, Talin, Easton, Jaxson, Emmett; his brother Joseph Mertens and wife Lila of Superior, Nebraska and sister Margaret Boone of Marion, Kansas; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 10:00 AM from the St Joseph Catholic Church in Superior, Nebraska with Father Brad Zitek officiating. Rosary was held at 9:30 am prior to the mass. Lector was Isaac Mertens, Acolyte was Ron Rempe and Altar Servers were Adin & A.J. Leibel

Music was congregational hymns "Amazing Grace", "On Eagles Wings" and "Here I Am Lord" with Carlita Price as organist and Arnold Miller as song leader.

Visitation was held on Sunday and Monday from 4:00 to 8:00pm with the family present to greet friends from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Sunday.

Pallbearers were Chuck's grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers were his great-grandchildren.

Interment with Military Honors was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Lawrence, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to the St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.