Henry L. Mertens Jr.

Henry Mertens Jr., 64 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at University of Minnesota, Fairview in Minneapolis, MN due to heart complications. 

Henry Louis Mertens, son of Henry and Ann (Burckhard) Mertens Sr. was born on June 10, 1960, at Devils Lake, ND. He attended the Devils Lake Public Schools and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1979. He continued his education at Lake Region Junior College for 2 years and earned his Associates Degree in Agriculture. 

Henry spent his entire life on the farm. He worked at Lakeview Dairy for his Dad and Uncles until 1991, when he and 4 of his brothers purchased the dairy and the farmland and it became Mertens Farms. They continued milking cows until 2001 when they sold the dairy operation and expanded the grain farm. Henry remained very active on the farm until 2015 when health issues forced him to do less strenuous activities. That was a difficult transition for Henry, so he dedicated himself to helping move pickups and farm machinery around and giving rides whenever needed. Henry also loved mowing grass. He spent many hours on the lawn mower maintaining the farmyard. This contribution of time and effort was so appreciated by his brothers, they felt truly blessed. 

Henry was a member of the Devils Lake Rural Fire Department and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed visiting and had several favorite places in the area. He was always ready to joke around, share friendly conversation with anyone. He always looked forward to visits from his nieces and nephews. 

Henry collected quite a variety of items. He enjoyed collecting replicas of old tractors, cars and pickups and Coca-Cola memorabilia. He spent many hours putting jigsaw puzzles together, especially those with a John Deere theme. 

Henry is survived by his siblings Barbara (Richard) Erickson of Auburn WA, Robert Mertens, Lakota ND, Don Mertens, Dennis (Julie) Mertens, Tom (Diane) Mertens and Tim Mertens all of Devils Lake; nephews and nieces Lance Erickson, Brandon (Kelsey) Mertens, Ryan Mertens, Lucas (Bobbie) Mertens, Rebecca (Derrick) Rygg, Benjamin (Haley) Mertens, Stephanie (Tyler) Nelson, Nathan (Haley) Mertens, Jacob (Emma) Mertens, Jessica Mertens, Brett Mertens; many precious great nieces and great nephews; several dear aunts, uncles and many beloved cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Ann, sisters Joyce Mertens and Carol Mertens, niece Leslie Erickson and sister-in-law Sheila Mertens. 

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 5:00 p.m. led by the Knights of Columbus with Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson officiating. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Bernard Pfau celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.