Joseph J. Mertes

Joseph J. Mertes 95, Wausau, died Monday, October 2, 2006 under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born April 5, 1911 in Fond du Lac, son of the late Nicklus and Katherine (Michaels) Mertes. On February 6, 1931, he married Wanda Scutkowski in Wausau. She preceded him in death on February 10, 1986. Joseph worked for the former Marmet Corporation in Wausau for over 30 years until retirement. Among his many interests, he enjoyed cooking, baking, watching sports, especially baseball and spending time up north at his cottage in Tomahawk. Survivors include, two children, Lorraine (Carl) Hunsicker and James (Geri) Mertes, all of Wausau; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; one great great grandson; and two sisters, Evelyn (Marlyn) Bartsch and Agnes Siewert, all of Wausau. Besides his parents and wife, Wanda, he was preceded in death by one son, Warren Mertes; one grandson, Gregory Mertes; four brothers, John, Emmit, Henry and Phillip; and four sisters, Elizabeth, Laura, Dorothy and Katherine. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Friday, October 6, 2006 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Daniel Hackel will preside. Entombment will be in the Holy Angels Mausoleum in St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau. Friends may call Friday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. The family would like to thank the Palliative Care Unit at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their loving care and support during Joseph's stay at the hospital. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com