Richard John Mertens of Warrenton, Missouri passed away on November 20, 2021 with family at his side. He was born on March 14, 1930 in southern Warren County MO near Charrette Creek, to the late John and Flora (Schoppenhorst) Mertens. Richard had reached the age of 91 years.
Richard’s childhood years were spent surrounded by a loving, close-knit family made up of his parents and sister Doris, but expanded to include cherished relationships with aunts and uncles, cousins and friends, particularly while spending time at the family Schoppenhorst farm in Hopewell, the Engemann farm on Charrette, and growing up with his buddies in Warrenton. At an early age he purchased his very first horse. He continued being a horse owner and lover of horses throughout his entire life.
In 1951, he was called into service, and served during the Korean War in 1953 as an Army medic while stationed in Germany. When Richard returned home, he was introduced to his sister’s nursing school friend, Irma, who became his loving wife on November 20, 1954. Together they celebrated 66 years of marriage, and Richard passed away on their 67th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with 7 children during their marriage.
Richard spent his life filled with family, and with hard work in the gravel and rock business that he owned and operated along with his sons. He participated in horse shows and trail rides as a member of the Warren County Saddle Club, served as a board member and president of the Warren County Sheltered Workshop for 32 years, and was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Richard Mertens is preceded in death by his parents, John and Flora, his step-father, Clarence Engemann, three grandchildren Hannah J. Ruether, Daniel I. Chute, Carrie Mertens-Paoli; one sister, Doris Brune and brother in-law, Alfred. Those grateful for having shared in Richard’s life are, his children Anita (Rod) Chute, John (Courtney) Mertens, Suzie (David) Polston, Charlene (Eddy) Twiehaus, Mike (Chris) Mertens, Janice (Steve) Holt, 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, Joshua Polston (Erika), Kelsey Ahlheim (Michael), Rebecca Pollard (Jarred), Travis Mertens, Evan Mertens, Ben Mertens, Craig Holt (Katy), Jessica Holt, Haley Holt; 17 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
We will Celebrate the Life of Richard John Mertens, Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home in Warrenton. Funeral Mass will be held the following day at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial donations are preferred to Warren County Sheltered Workshop or Holy Rosary School, c/o Martin Funeral Home, 510 East Main St. Warrenton, MO. 63383. Online condolences may be made at www.martinfuneral.net
