James B. Mertes, 76, of the Township of Pleasant Valley, WI, died peacefully at home, Monday, August 1, 2016. He was born in Eau Claire on December 30, 1939, a son of Earl and Rosamond (Tusken) Mertes. Jim and wife Lois were married in Eau Claire on December 28, 1974. Jim was a teacher most of his life, having taught math at various middle and high schools, retiring in 2003. He was also involved as a high school football official for 25 years which was a very enjoyable activity for him. Throughout his life he enjoyed water skiing and fishing at the family cottage on Cornell Lake near Bloomer. Jim always valued community service and served as a member of the Eau Claire Police Reserves (Captain) and as a volunteer with the Pleasant Valley Fire Department (Safety Officer). Jim is survived by his loving wife, Lois; children, Judy (John) Daleiden, Jane (Ronald) Blank and Daniel (Melanie) Mertes; eight treasured grandchildren, Trisha (Gus) Soulas, Sarah and Ben Daleiden, Joseph and Erik Blank, Spencer, Greta and Emma Mertes; one great-granddaughter, Evangelia "Gia" Soulas; and two sisters, Roselyn (James) Miller and Mary (Ronald) Flynn. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant grandson, Matthew Daleiden; and brother, Francis Mertes. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Anton Kidess and staff at OakLeaf Medical Center, and Dr. Muhammad Muslim and his medical staff at the Marshfield Cancer Center for their wonderful care given to Jim during his illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 8, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Ave. in Eau Claire, with Father John Schultz officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., with a Prayer Vigil at 6:30 p.m., on Sunday, August 7, 2016, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. in Eau Claire, and again one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire.
Service Information
Visitation
Sunday, August 7 2016
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Prayer Service
Sunday, August 7 2016
6:30 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Visitation
Monday, August 8 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
1712 Highland Ave.
Eau Claire WI 54701
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, August 8 2016
11:00 AM
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
1712 Highland Ave.
Eau Claire WI 54701
