Henry B. Mertes, Jr.

On February 2, 2016, Henry B. Mertes, Jr. rode up to that big garage in the sky, with family by his side. Waiting for him was his beloved wife, Bev, who preceded him in death nearly 10 years ago. Henry, also known as “Hank,” was born on June 22, 1932, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He was the son of Henry B., Sr. & Leona Mertes. On February 12, 1955, Henry married Beverly Wiedenmeier. Their 51-year marriage blessed them with four children: Sherry Saiki, Jewell (Steve) Ehlert, Tammy (John) Guelig, and Henry “Chip” B. Mertes, III. He loved to joke around with his eight grandkids: Daniel and Deanna Saiki, Jennifer (Chris) Olson, Sydney and Nicole Ehlert, Gabrielle, Alyssa, and Skylar Mertes. Henry is also survived by his sisters: Audrey DeMarb and Yvonne Buechel; his sister-in law, Marilynn (Cecil) Adamson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be greatly missed by many, including all his family, friends, and kind neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly; sister-in-law, Karen Wiedenmeier; and brothers-in-law: Edgar DeMarb and LeRoy Buechel. Henry was an avid motorcycle competitor from his youth until age 38, winning over 100 trophies for hill climbing and scramble racing. He played on many softball teams over the years, not hanging up his catcher’s mask until the age of 70. In retirement, Henry developed a passion for golf and squealing the tires of his Mustang convertible. In the winter, he kept busy helping friends with snow removal, playing Hand and Foot, and never getting enough hits in his dartball league. He also loved playing Sheepshead with family, whenever the opportunity arose, offering plenty advice on playing the game “right.”Always ready to help a friend in need, Henry built a great circle of friends in the community. He never hesitated to share his honest opinion about anything with anyone. He loved all things mechanical and had endless curiosity leading him to a lifelong career of fixing cars, trucks, lawn equipment, and other small engines. He worked as a mechanic at Service Bakery, Spector Freight, Service Motors, and eventually retired from Badger Liquor in 2002. Henry also co-owned a service station on the corner of Division and Marr Streets, opening it in the late ‘60’s. FUNERAL SERVICE: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2016, at Holy Family Parish, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac.VISITATION: The visitation will be from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2016, at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac, and on Monday at church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.Burial will be in Ledgeview Memorial Park.Please direct memorials to the American Lung Association, www.lung.org.A special “Thank You” to the ICU staff at St. Agnes Hospital for their compassionate care during Henry’s last days and to Dr. Weber for her caring, but firm, way with Henry, allowing him to live out the last few years of his life independently.

Henry B. Mertes, Jr.

June 22, 1932 - February 8, 2016