Mrs. Irma G. Mertens (nee: Wilkison) of Warrenton, MO., passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021, with her family at her side. She was born on August 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Mo., to the late Cecil and Isabelle (nee: Ward) Wilkison. Irma had reached the age of 92 years.
At an early age, Irma's family moved to Washington D.C. She had the opportunity to attend the Presidential Inauguration Parade for President Roosevelt. She attended the annual Egg Roll on the White House Lawn. She and her sister were also featured on the front page of the Washington Post under the Cherry Blossoms. These years spent in D.C. helped shape her love for our country at an early age. Irma's caring personality led her to pursue a career in nursing. She graduated from Jewish Hospital School of Nursing. Irma was introduced to her future husband, Richard Mertens by his sister, Doris, who was a nursing friend. She left the city life behind and was united in marriage to the love of her life, on November 20, 1954, in Truesdale. Together, she and Richard celebrated 66 years of wonderful marriage. Irma, again with her caring personality and love of children, was the first School Nurse for Warren County RIII. Irma and Richard were blessed with 7 children and Irma became a full-time mother and homemaker. She loved each of her children dearly and was a very dedicated Mom.
Irma Mertens was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Isabelle; three grandchildren, Hannah J. Ruether, Daniel I. Chute, Carrie Mertens-Paoli; two siblings, Richard Wilkison and Florence Jefferies. Those grateful for having shared in Irma's life are, her loving husband Richard; her children, Anita Chute (Rod), Jack Mertens (Courtney), Suzie Polston (David), Charlene Twiehaus (Eddy), Mike Mertens (Chris), Janice Holt (Steve), Laura Mertens (Mary Morris); grandchildren, Rachel Chute (Corey Wilson), Renee Chute, Dustin Mertens, Michael Patrick Mertens, Richard Mertens, Nicholas Mertens, Sarah Kopmann (Eric), Joe Polston, Josh Polston (Erika), Kelsey Ahlheim (Michael), Rebecca Pollard (Jarred), Travis Mertens, Evan Mertens, Ben Mertens, Craig Holt (Katy), Jessica Holt, Haley Holt; 17 great-grandchildren; two siblings, Lawrence W. Wilkison (Ann), Donna J. Stephenson; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
A visitation for Irma Mertens will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at Martin Funeral Home in Warrenton. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. A graveside service will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to SSM Cardinal Glennon Hospital, c/o Martin Funeral Home, 510 East Main Street, Warrenton, MO 63383. Online condolences may be made at www.martinfuneral.net.
