Dolores F. Mertes

Dolores F. Mertes, age 93, of Spring Grove, passed away peacefully at her home Thursday evening, May 8, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Dolores was born in Chicago on Friday, January 16, 1932, to Gustav A. and Anna J. (Stehr) Fetting. On September 24, 1955, she married Hubert Mertes, whom she had met on a blind date. Together the pair celebrated 56 years of marriage until the passing of Hubert in 2011.
Dolores spent her early years in Chicago. After marrying Hubert, starting their family led them from Chicago to Arlington Heights, then Palatine, and finally to Spring Grove. Despite their moves, Dolores held onto her passion for shopping trips to Marshall Fields and lunch at the Walnut Room downtown with her lifelong girlfriends. Her artistic spirit shone through in her beautiful sewing projects and stained-glass creations. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life.
Dolores was known for her meticulous care of her home and property, often taking on tasks that many would consider "a man's job', like power washing the house, and rewiring household items despite her husband being a lifelong electrician. Dolores also had a fondness for a good mystery, listening to countless audiobooks, and enjoyed spending time working on jigsaw puzzles with her neighbors.
Dolores was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother. She will be fondly remembered by all those dear to her, leaving behind a legacy of strength and determination. Above all, her memory will evoke thoughts of dedication, kindness, and the unconditional love she gave.
Survived by her sons, Bert (Nanci), Michael Mertes; daughter, Julie (William) Mertes-Schaeppi; grandchildren, Brandy Mertes, Zeb (Fafay) Mertes, Zachary Mertes, Micah Schaeppi, Patti (Pat) Gleichner, Jenn (Kosta) Bakanov; seven great grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hubert; sister, Martha (the late Jim) Hogan; brother, Albert Fetting.
Friends and neighbors may meet on Friday, May 16, 2025, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 2118 Main Street, Spring Grove, IL. for a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Service.
Burial will take place in St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery immediately following the mass.
For additional information, please call Thompson Funeral Home at 815-675-0550.