Wilfred Mertes

Wilfred R. Mertes, 80, died on Friday, October 7, 2016, at St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois as the result of an auto accident near Streator.

Wilf was born June 3, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest child of William and Elizabeth (Eich) Mertes.  He was a 1955 graduate of Calumet High School in Chicago.  He then received his medical technicians license.  He married Irene Hrasko on June 22, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois.  She survives in Ransom.  He is also survived by his sons, Tim Mertes and Dan Mertes, daughter Theresa Bates, and grandchildren, Tim Bates, Jessica Bates, Jennie Mertes and Jamie Mertes, as well as two great-grandchildren. His sister-in-law, Anne Hrasko, also survives him.  His parents, three sisters and five brothers preceded him in death.

Employed first as a medical technician in the office of his brother, Dr. Ervin Mertes, he went on to have a career in sales, eventually retiring to Ransom, Illinois where he enjoyed playing poker with his many friends.  He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 15th at St. Patrick’s Church, Ransom with Father Anthony Ego officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the Church.  Cremation rites will follow the Mass. Burial will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Loretto.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family.  Hagi Funeral Home of Streator is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.hagifuneralhome.com