Robert Mertens

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Robert A. “Bob” Mertens, 82, of Waterloo, IL, born November 4, 1938, in St. Louis, MO, entered the gates of heaven on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Mercy Hospital South, St. Louis, MO.

Bob was a unit attendant for 21 years and retired from Illinois Power Company after working for United Parcel Service (UPS) for 7 years.  He also worked as a Sacristan at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows for 14 years.  Bob ended his career as a bus driver for Gibault Catholic High School, Waterloo, IL.  Bob was a devout Catholic. He was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL where he was a member of the Holy Name Society and at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Evansville, IL.  Most recently, Bob was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Red Bud, IL.  As a member of the Knights of Columbus, Bob was a Charter Member and Grand Knight of the St. John the Baptist Council #12152 in Red Bud and a Fourth Degree Member of the Fort Kaskaskia Assembly #1287 in Evansville.  Bob was also a Scout Master and youth baseball coach for many years.  He always enjoyed instilling important life lessons in all youth that had the privilege of having him as a leader.

Bob is remembered as a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, great uncle, Godfather and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Leona, nee Hennrich, Mertens; and a sister, Sister Stephanie Mertens, ASC.

Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Kathleen A. Mertens, nee Gleissner, whom he married on November 21, 1964, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL; four children, Maribeth (David) Hollinshead of Red Bud, IL, Christopher (Patricia) Mertens of O’Fallon, IL, Rebecca (Derek) Allard of Waterloo, IL, and Michael (Sheri) Mertens of Swansea, IL; 13 grandchildren, Jena (Carl) Hoeninger, Tara (Bradley) Uding, Alycia (Riley) Post, Tristan Fahey, Griffin Fahey, Lauren Fahey, Gracyn Fahey, Brianna Allard, Rachel Mertens, Sarah Mertens, Adam Mertens, Anna Mertens, and Parker Mertens; five great-grandchildren, Magdalene and Mabel Hoeninger, Ronan and Tristan Uding, and Rae Post; two sisters, Carol (John) Turbek of Lexington, KY, and Bonnie (Tom) Jung of Walsh, IL; a brother, Charles (Rose) Mertens of Smithton, IL; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and God-children.

Memorials may be made in the form of masses to be distributed to parishes of the family’s choice, or a Memorial fund to be utilized by the family in Bob’s memory.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for the care and compassion provided by the staff at Magnolia Terrace, Waterloo, IL.

Visitation:  Friends may visit the family from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Red Bud, IL.

Funeral:  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Red Bud, IL, with Msgr. Dennis Schaefer officiating.

Burial will be at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Evansville, IL.

 

Condolences:

15 Comments on Robert Mertens

Rich and Jean Schaefer said : Guest Report Jul 11, 2021 at 2:12 PM

Kathy, Rich and I send our deepest sympathy. We always enjoyed talking with you and Bob at all those track meets, etc. so many years ago. He was such a nice guy. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

  • Freeburg
  • IL
Richard Wiegard said : Guest Report Jul 08, 2021 at 1:48 PM

RIP Bob. I remember you well from our younger years in Evansville, Best wishes and prayers to the family.

  • Houston
  • Tx
Jerry and Susan Ditch said : Guest Report Jul 05, 2021 at 1:05 PM

We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. I know he will be miss so much. We remember him as a faithful, kind and gentle servant while working at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Sincere sympathy is extended to his entire family. May you find comfort in the memories you have and trust in the promise of eternal life through Jesus. Praying for you now and in the days ahead. Godspeed until we meet again.

  • New Athens
  • Illinois
Fr. Gene Neff said : Guest Report Jul 05, 2021 at 11:38 AM

My condolences to Bob's family. May Bob rest in peace.

  • Mascoutah
  • IL
Virginia Healy said : Guest Report Jul 04, 2021 at 6:31 PM

My heartfelt sympathy to Kathy and Bob's family. I am deeply honored to call Bob my cousin. He was always a very devout, most helpful, kind man, now in the loving arms of our God and never to be forgotten by all of us who knew him. Pray for us, Bob, and for your wonderful family and friends. Rest in peace. In loving remembrance, Mrs. Virginia Healy

  • Shiloh
  • IL
michael hollinshead said : Guest Report Jul 03, 2021 at 10:27 AM

Melissa and I are sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. I will never forget the time we were to meet up with David & Marybeth at the St. Louis Zoo when we arrived Bob & Kathleen were the first to arrive, we were second. As we approached Bob said OK let’s go and I asked aren’t we going to wait for Dave & Marybeth and Bob’s quick response was “oh we never wait for those two they will just have to catch up”. I did not know Bob well, but I have known him a long time, I always enjoyed the times we talked. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

  • Chenoa
  • IL
Kathryn Schneider said : Guest Report Jun 30, 2021 at 2:04 PM

So sorry to hear about Bob. He was a great man. I still teach from a podium he made for me when I taught at St. Joe's with Kathleen. May God grant him rest and the family peace.

  • Mascoutah
  • IL
robert w. mudd said : Guest Report Jun 30, 2021 at 12:03 PM

I will miss my very good friend.I have many fond memories My sympathy to Kathleen and Family!

  • evansville
  • IL
Connie welsch said : Guest Report Jun 30, 2021 at 9:41 AM

I had the opportunity to teach with Kathleen at St Joseph School. We were good friends then. I got to know Bob who was always so friendly. May good memories always be in your heart. Sorry for your loss.

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois
Dina Chandler said : Guest Report Jun 29, 2021 at 11:20 PM

I have known Bob & Kathleen for several years now. I helped care for his mother while she had a short stay in Ruma years ago. I also helped care for Sr. Stephanie while she lived at Ruma. It always made my day when he called or visited Ruma. He was proud of & loved his family. My condolences to Bob & Kathleen's family.

  • Chester
  • Illinois
Nancy S Vogt said : Guest Report Jun 29, 2021 at 8:28 PM

sorry for your loss. I got to know Bob and his wife when i worked down at the Adores of the Blood of Christ and then while I'm working at Oak Hill. He was such a sweet man. Will be missed'

  • Fults
  • IL
Pat and Mike Burns said : Guest Report Jun 29, 2021 at 7:38 PM

Deepest sympathy to the entire Mertens family. Please know that I will add Bob to my prayer list. May he Rest In Peace.

  • Swansea
  • IL
Fr. James Allen, OMI said : Guest Report Jun 29, 2021 at 5:36 PM

Bob was my classmate at the novitiate of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Always friendly and smiling and ready to help. When I was Director of Our Lady of the Snows Shrine, he joined us, not only as sacristan but also as driver of the tour tram and friendly greeter of visitors. Condolences to his family and congratulations to Bob for living a good Christian life.

  • Chula Vista
  • CA
Connie Jean Goyda said : Guest Report Jun 29, 2021 at 9:34 AM

Bob was such a wonderful friend to everyone! Matt he Rest In Peace.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Mary Frances Soltys said : Guest Report Jun 29, 2021 at 9:02 AM

Maribeth, I was so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May you, your mom, and family members be comforted, wrapped in Jesus' loving & healing embrace. I will be out of town for his services but know that I will be keeping you in my prayers. Sending hugs my friend. ❤?❤

  • Freeburg
  • IL

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