Charlie Mertens

Charles (Charlie) E. Mertens,73, of Staples passed away at his home May 19, 2016.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 23 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. 

Interment was at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Arrangements were entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples.

Charlie was born to Joseph and Julia (Bittner) Mertens on the family homestead January 18, 1943. Charlie attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, graduated from Staples High School class of 1961 and Wadena Technical College 1990 for Telephone Service. He served in the U. S. Army, working on the military railroad and was employed by Burlington Northern Railroad as a brakeman for 25 years. He worked for Mertens Construction owned by his brother Bob as a very skilled blade operator and for Miller Plumbing and Heating as a plumber’s helper. Charlie married Marcia Hurst on June 3, 1967. Together they raised three daughters on a hobby farm west of Staples near his family homestead. He enjoyed fishing, making spear fishing decoys, hunting, building birdhouses, gardening and tending his small orchard. When Charlie rode his Harley you could hear him coming from a mile away with Johnny Cash playing on his 8-track. 

He is survived by; three daughters Charlene (Galen) Abbas of Staples, Marci (James) Harrison of Pine River and Jo (Ryan) Staydohar of Nashwauk;  his mother, of Staples; eight grandchildren, three sisters, Carol Ford, Margaret (Kerry) West, Margery (Ken) Haidle and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father; one brother, Bob; sister-in-law, LuAnn; brother-in-law Keith Ford and one niece, Sarah.

       w21c    A00006B2016 MY26