Eugene Mertens

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. Cecilia's 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 Gene's 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. Cecilia's 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