Roger A. Merten, 82, Burlington, died March 17, 2012, at his home. He was born April 2, 1929, to the late Edgar J. and Elizabeth (Luke) Merten on the family farm in Burlington.
He was a lifelong resident of Burlington and attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School.
On July 28, 1956, he married Carol Neu at St. George’s in Kenosha. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the VFW Post 2823 and a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
He had served his country as Corporal First Class in the Marines during the Korean War doing his active duty in Korea as a Tank Gunner. He loved farming.
He was an exceptional mechanic; there was nothing he couldn’t fix. One of the things he enjoyed most on the farm was riding his John Deer tractor and he was especially fond of his black Ford grain truck and his Michigan front loader.
He was a very avid reader and had a very dry and witty sense of humor. More than anything he was known for being a loving, sensitive and caring husband, father and grandfather. He treasured his family and loved all the family gatherings.
Survivors include his wife; children, Margaret “Peggy” (Dale) Isaacson of Malone, Steven Merten, Lynnwood, Wash., Lawrence Merten, Burlington, Patricia Merten, Kenosha; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Dustin) Brunn, Horicon, Rebecca Isaacson, Cincinnati, Paxtyn, Noah and Thaddeus Merten, Lynnwood, and Miranda (Derek) DeFranco, Racine; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Lindsey and Anna DeFranco; siblings, Paul Merten, Burlington, James (Arlene) Merten, Kenosha, Sister Mary Joyce Merten, Burlington, Betty Gaiser, Bedford, Ind., Joyce Clason, La Crosse; sisters-in-law, Kathy Merten, Hot Springs Ark., Loretta Merten, Fennimore, and Linda (David) Poisl, Kenosha.
He was further preceded in death by his siblings, Geraldine, John and Edgar F. Merten and a brother-in-law, Ralph Clason.
Visitation is Thursday, March 22, from 4-8 p.m., with a vigil at 8 a.m., at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. A Mass of Christian Burial is Friday March 23, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Jim Volkert officiating. Burial will follow in St. Kilian’s Cemetery.
The family of Roger Merten has suggested memorials be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
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