Wayne James Mertens, age 92, a lifelong Manitowoc resident, entered into eternal life on Monday evening, October 14, 2024, at his residence with family by his side.
Wayne was born on April 22, 1932 in Manitowoc. He was the son of the late Raymond and Constance Kadow Mertens. Wayne attended Lincoln High School and graduated with the class of 1950. Following High School Wayne served his tool and die apprenticeship. In 1965 he co-founded Manitowoc Tool and Machine. The success of the company was based on Wayne’s willingness to take calculated risks and his foresight looking into the future development of the company. Wayne took great pride in watching the business expand numerous times over the years. On January 17, 1953 he married Carol Ann Samz at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Two Rivers. Wayne was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Manitowoc Optimist Club, Manitowoc Yacht Club, Manitowoc Fraternal Order of the Eagles #706, Branch River Country Club and the Manitowoc Fish and Game. He served on the Waste Water Treatment Commission, Industrial Development Commission, and the Manitowoc Police and Fire Commission. Wayne enjoyed hunting, golfing, going to Green Bay Packer games, and playing dice with his cousins. He took interest in his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Carol, daughter, Cathy (Rick) Paulson, Manitowoc, son, Scott (Laurie) Mertens, Manitowoc, two grandchildren, Bryanna (Max) Ashenbrener and Lexie (Ryan) Richter, both of Manitowoc; three step grandchildren, Arielle Dahlgren, Bianca and Katie Krause, four great grandchildren, Paisley, Brecken, and Bickley Aschenbrener and Graham Richter; one brother, Donald (Marlene) Mertens, Manitowoc; two sisters-in-law: Gloria Schmidt, Manitowoc and Gloria Samz, Mishicot; along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Constance Mertens, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leo and Marcella Samz, and two brothers-in-law, Gerald Schmidt and Donald Samz.
Funeral services will be held 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. William O’Brien. Relatives and friends may call at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Waldo on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 1 p.m. until the time of services at 4 p.m. Entombment will follow at a later date at Calvary Mausoleum in Manitowoc.
The family would like to convey their appreciation to all of the caregivers that gave such good care to Wayne during these last 18 months. Online condolences to the family be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
