|
 Hastings
resident, Eugene (Gene) Henry Mertens, 84, died with family at his side
Sunday, September 25, 2011 at Grand Island Veterans Home, Grand Island,
Nebraska.
Rosary will be Tuesday, September 27, 2011; 6:30 P.M. at Butler Volland
Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, September 28, 2011;
10:00 A.M. at St. Cecilias Catholic Church with Father Joseph M. Walsh
officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery with military rites.
Visitation will be Monday, September 26, 2011; 7 P.M. 9 P.M., Tuesday,
September, 27, 2011; 9 A.M. 9 P.M. at the funeral home and one hour
prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be given
to the Hastings Catholic Schools Trust or American Parkinson Disease
Association.
Eugene (Gene) Henry Mertens was born to Chris & Lena (Menke) Mertens at
Lawrence, Nebraska on October 15, 1926. He attended Sacred Heart School
and Lawrence High School. He graduated in 1944. He joined the Navy in
1944 during WWII and served aboard a carrier. He was discharged in
October of 1947. After his discharge from the navy he took body and
fender training. He worked as an auto body repairman for 15 years and
during that time owned a Body Shop in Nelson. He then worked for
Pittsburgh Plate Glass. For the past 30 years he worked as an
ironworker, carpenter, millwright on construction and as a self employed
carpenter retiring in 1988. He married Naomi Schlick on October 16, 1950
in Deweese, Nebraska, and she preceded him in death in September of
1977. He married JoAnn (Placke) Boom on May 16, 1981. Gene and JoAnn
owned and operated Genes Moonshiner Tavern in Deweese from 1984-1986.
He built a home with Naomi in Nelson and one in Plattsmouth on a lake
when he and JoAnn retired. Gene and JoAnn returned to Hastings in 1996.
Gene and JoAnn took many trips and bus trips throughout the United
States, Europe and Hawaii. Due to health Gene entered the VA Home in
Grand Island on March 1, 2011. He loved to visit with the other veterans
at meal times. While at the VA Home he did woodworking and ceramics,
which he got a ribbon on while making gifts for his family. He enjoyed
playing cards, bingo and made many friends at the VA Home. He always had
a smile on his face and was caring. He was a member of St. Cecilias
Catholic Church, life member of V.F.W. Post #1346, which he was a
district commander of M.O.C. Ching Tama #16 Cooties. He was also a
member of Hastings American Legion Post #11, D.A.V., Nebraska Chapter #9
Carpenters Union, 50 year and honorary life member 3rd Degree Knights of
Columbus Council #1123 and #11823, Eagles Aerie #592 where he held the
offices of Secretary and Trustee. Gene volunteered at GSV with the
bingo. Gene flew to Washington D.C. as part of the Nebraska Veterans
Honor Flight.
Eugene (Gene) Henry Mertens was preceded in death by his parents, wife
Naomi (Schlick) Mertens, granddaughter, Megan Skalka, step granddaughter
Debra Boom, step brothers-in-law, Robert Placke, Don Placke, and
brothers-in-law, Ed Souchek, Bill Karmazin.
SURVIVORS:
Wife: JoAnn Mertens Hastings, NE
Daughters & Sons-in-law: Jan & Ken Pavelka Glenvil, NE
Linda & Lyle Skalka Deweese, NE
Sally & Jeff Jergensen Colorado Springs, CO
Son: John Mertens McCook, NE
Step Son & Spouse: David & Kim Boom Elkhorn, NE
Step Daughter: Kelly Boom Hastings, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses: Mike & Betsy Pavelka Beatrice, NE
Curt & Kristen Pavelka Kearney, NE
Kristin & T.J. Carmichael Lincoln, NE
Matt Skalka Deweese, NE
Amanda Skalka Deweese, NE
Justin Jergensen Colorado Springs, CO
Sean Jergensen Colorado Springs, CO
Great-Grandchildren: Cole Pavelka
Keeley Pavelka
Step Grandson & Spouse: Scott & Angie Boom
Step Great-Granddaughter: Genevieve Boom
Brother & Spouse: Ray & Betty Mertens Sutton, NE
Sisters: Marian Souchek Lawrence, NE
Bernadine Karmazin Nelson, NE
Sister-in-law & Spouse: Jean & Marion Schutte Grand Island, NE
Many Nieces & Nephews |
