Christian Biography of Joseph E. "Joe" Mertens

Joseph Edward Mertens, the son of Henry and Theresa (Benken) Mertens, was born on May 20, 1930 in Bethune, Colorado. He passed away on June 22, 2019 at the Superior Good Samaritan Society at Superior, Nebraska at the age of 89 years, 1 month, 2 days.

Joe was one of 13 children, he was baptized on May 25, 1930 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Stratton, Colorado and confirmed on April 16, 1940 at Cunningham, Kansas. He attended school thru the 8 ^th grade. He enlisted with the United States Army on October 23, 1951 and was honorably discharged on October 27, 1953 serving in the Korean War; earning the Korean Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Returning from the service, he was engaged in farming. On October 22, 1960 he was united in marriage to Lila Mae Seefeld at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, rural Lawrence, Nebraska. This union was blessed with three children.

Joe farmed all his life in the Mt. Clare and Bostwick area. He was a member of the VFW, Nelson American Legion, Knights of Columbus Council in Superior and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nelson, Nebraska.

He loved to fish and hunt coyotes, pheasant and deer. His passion was pitching horseshoes and was even inducted into the Horseshoe Hall of Fame. In his later years he passed his time supplying everyone with black walnuts.

Due to his heath, Joe was admitted to Superior Good Samaritan Society in May of 2014 where he resided until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Herman, Bernard, James, Charles, and infant brother John; sisters Clara Murray, Odella Stevenson, Theresa Ward, Mary Ann Martin, Agnes Daniel and Eleanor Hageman.

Survivors include his wife, Lila of Superior; three daughters Maria (David) Pitfield-Perry of Morgan, Minnesota; Betty (Kyle) Holen of Grand Island, Nebraska; and Mary (Rick) Albro of Ridgecrest, California; five grandchildren: Sydney (Richard) Lidstrom, Nick Hastreiter, Jessica Hastreiter, Trevor Holen, Meghan Albro; four great grandchildren: Reise Lundberg, Ember Lidstrom, Gabriel Nelson, and Thea Nelson; and one sister Margaret Boon of Lawrence, Kansas; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 10:00 am from the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Superior, Nebraska with, Rev. Bernard Kimminau officiating. Lector was Gary Ostdiek, and Acolyte was Richard Sullivan.

Music was congregational hymns "How Great Thou Art," "Lord, Accept the Gifts We Offer," "On Eagle's Wings," and "Amazing Grace," with Carlita Price as organist.

Pallbearers were Randy Daniel, David Pitfield-Perry, Nick Hastreiter, Trevor Holen, Rick Albro and John Mertens. Honorary Pallbearers Joe's nieces and nephews.

Interment with Military Honors was in the Nelson Cemetery at Nelson, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to the family.

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