Michael Mertens

The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed at facebook.com/stjosephdvl

Michael Mertens, 55 of Devils Lake passed away peacefully at M Health Fairview University Hospital in Minnesota with his son and family by his side.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday, April 3, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, April 4, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Burial in Devils Lake Cemetery.

Michael James was born on April 19, 1966 to Cecil and Rosemary (Hamilton) Mertens at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake ND. He was the last of seven children. He graduated from Devils Lake Central High with the class of 1984.  He continued his education at UND-Lake Region. 

After completing his education, Michael continued working with his Dad and Step-Mom at Lakeview Dairy and continued there until retiring just weeks ago.  In 1992, Mike was married to Rhonda Knutson and their son, Matthew was born.  Mike and Mathew spent many years together growing the dairy business after Mike’s parents died.  Then the love of Mike’s life was born-his first grandchild-Haden Marie. 

Mike enjoyed spending time in his shop tinkering and fabricating, camping and time with family and friends. When something needed doing with his “green tractor” he was on the job.  Any job the neighbors needed done, Mike and the tractor were there. Mike also took a trip to Washington, DC which was something he always wanted to do. He was an avid Sioux and Vikings fan.

Mike overcame many health issues and in 2018 he received a new liver and kidney. Drs. Were amazed how well he did. He was ready to start living his life after having to close his business just recently.

His life ended suddenly, and he will be missed by so many. 

Mike is survived by his son, Matthew; granddaughter Haden; brother Bill Mertens, Devils Lake; sisters Ceya (Don) Holler also of Devils Lake, Kathy (Ron) Holler, Grand Forks, ND, Mary (Leland) Koenig, New Rockford, ND and Pattie (Allan) Wilcox, Highlands Ranch, CO and several nephews and nieces and the extended Marthe family.

He was preceded in death by his father Cecil, mother Rosemary, step-mother Carol Marthe Mertens, sister Susie Daugherty-Semmens and brothers-in-law Donald Daugherty and Roger Semmens.