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Joe Mertens Obituary
MERTENS, Joe
August 1, 1935 -
April 29, 2011
Joe was born in Mansfield, WA to Chris and Hazel Mertens, the youngest of six children. He grew up in Chewelah and attended St. Mary's Grade School, then graduated from St. Edward's High School in Kenmore, WA. Joe served in the U.S. Army for two years and following discharge, returned to Spokane, where he married Mary Elaine Vaughn on August 24, 1957. Joe completed his BA and MA degrees at Eastern Washington College of Education and taught Latin and English at high schools in Quincy, WA and Cheney, WA, where he joined the Driver Education Program. Joe went on to work directly for the Superintendent of Public Instruction training and supervising Driver Education teachers in the Eastern Washington district. He developed a Driver Education Co-op Program to provide classes in the smaller school districts and was also instrumental in updating and clarifying the Driver Education Manual. After 25 years in Education, Joe retired in 1990.
Not being one to rest on his laurels, Joe became the Administrator for the Sisters of Providence, Mount St. Joseph, Spokane, WA. In Joe's striving to be of service to others, he utilized his later retirement time volunteering many hours to Caritas Outreach Ministries often taking on the most difficult projects. His helping hands were always ready.
For over 30 years Joe and Elaine were involved with the Marriage Encounter Community attending many local and national events. Joe learned to snow ski while living in Chewelah and renewed his interest maintaining a season's pass until the age of 74. He also enjoyed bowling, attending the GridIron High School championship Football Games for over 20 years, and rooting on his favorite baseball teams. Joe had a joyous zest for life and a smile you'd never forget.
Joe is survived by Elaine, his wife of 53 years; son, Dan (Kathy) of Fremont, CA; daughters Cathy (Mark) Myers and Karen (Ed Langlois) all of Portland, OR. He will be greatly missed by his five grandchildren, Theresa, Janelle and Karen Myers, Andy and Marie Langlois, and his many relatives, friends and neighbors. He is also survived by a brother, sister and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Kirk Lund and the Rockwood Clinic oncology staff for their attentive care for Joe over the past 15 years.
A Vigil Service will be Friday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 7, at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 3624 West Indian Trail Road, Spokane. Luncheon in the church hall immediately following the Funeral Mass. Graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery, N. 7200 Wall at 1:00 pm. Arrangements entrusted to:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Mertens
May 9, 2011
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Joe Mertens for your loss, to honor his service to our country and our patriotic hero.
Dan Shier
May 6, 2011
God bless and keep you Joe. The world is a little emptier since you went home to Jesus.
Sharla Tinsen
May 6, 2011
Joe's passing has left a void in our hearts. A wonderful friend and father figure to us and our son, I will remember Joe best when I skied with him these past 6-7 years. Elaine, you and Joe have been so generous including us in your family retreats at Diamond Lake. You both are full of grace and I now rejoice that Joe is with his Father, God in heaven. Love, Rich, Sharla & Jacob!
May 5, 2011
Our daughter, Heidi, saw Joe has passed away and sent the obituary to us. We have many good memories of the times in Drovers Education years and our families getting together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wayne and Judy Bredberg
May 5, 2011
Elaine - so sorry to hear of your loss. You and Joe were one of the most amazing and inspirational couples we ever met through Marriage Encounter. The two of you always lit up the room when you entered. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Bobbie and Al Anders
May 4, 2011
Dear Elaine, We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing, but so happy he's in a much better place. We have very fond memories of Marriage Encounter meetings at your home. God bless you, you are in our prayers. Steve and Lonna Burger
May 4, 2011
Joe was a bright light wherever he was. We are so sorry for the loss.----Martha and Phil Agnew
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