John Mertens

1941 - 2022

April 29,1941 - October 17, 2022 Long Time Claremont Dentist, Loving Husband and Father John Mertens, a longtime Claremont resident, died peacefully on Monday, October 17, surrounded by family. He was 81. John was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 29, 1941, the oldest of two children, to Armand and Marion Mertens. He spent his very happy childhood exploring the neighborhoods of Detroit, often with his best friend of 70 years, Doug Francis. John's family moved to California in 1959 where John graduated from Chaffey High School that same year. John met and married Mary Ann Hutchison after a brief engagement at the Claremont United Church of Christ on July 6, 1963. The couple moved to Detroit, Michigan that same summer in order for John to complete dental school. The couple settled in Claremont in 1969, where Dr. Mertens set up a thriving dental practice. Before retiring in 2015, Dr. Mertens was a valuable member of the community. He often volunteered his time tending to the dental needs of many, including providing free dental care to Skilled Nursing patients at Pilgrim Place and dental screenings to all 2nd and 5th grade students in Claremont. John enjoyed playing golf and as long-time member of Red Hill Country Club, he and his wife assisted in the organization of various charitable golf tournaments over the years. He also won several tournaments himself! John lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed many friendships across many areas of his life. John was also a huge classic Hollywood film buff and amassed a very large collection of autographs and movie memorabilia. Family was John's first priority, and every aspect of his life was devoted to his family and helping others. Ultimately, enjoying life was John's passion. While his dental career helped fulfill a need to serve his community, he worked to live. Always happy, and always inviting friends to join the fun, John enjoyed his time on the golf course and his favorite restaurants, often with friends and family along for the ride. John is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Laura and Chris Mandzok and Melissa and Sean Bird, and by his five beautiful grandchildren, Emma Bird, Anne Bird, Cyril Mandzok, Lillian Mandzok and Xavi Mandzok. Memorial services will be held on November 18th at the Claremont United Church of Christ at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any organization that serves veterans. Todd Memorial Chapel 570 N Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91767