Theodore M. Mertins

Theodore Maximilian Mertins Jr., age 93, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2016, at Ridgewood Care Center. Ted was born in Racine on December 7, 1922, son of the late Theodore M. and Rosetta K. (Nee: Keller) Mertins.

During WWII he was privileged to enlist and serve in the United States Navy Seabees in the Pacific Theatre (Saipan, Mariana Islands and Okinawa, Japan) from 1942-45. On November 20, 1954, Ted was married to Elizabeth B. Rendall at the Racine Bible Church on Center Street. They were married 50 years when Betty preceded him in death in 2005. After working locally in construction, Ted was employed at Racine Unified School District for 28 years, retiring in 1986. Ted was truly a member of “The Greatest Generation” and a skilled conversationalist. A kind, proud veteran, husband, and parent, he will be dearly missed.

In addition to his parents, in-laws, and wife, Ted was preceded in death by brothers, Marshall, Robert, Glenn and Russell Mertins; sisters, LaVerne Woiteshek and Jean Sauter; and stepmother, Violet Mertins. Surviving include sons, Roger Mertins and William Mertins both of Racine; a brother, Allen Mertins; sisters-in-law, Laurissa Mertins of Racine, Nancy Mertins of Oak Creek, Dorothy Mertins of S. Milwaukee; cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held at Mound Cemetery Chapel, 1147 West Blvd, Friday, January 22, 2016, 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Robert Lambert officiating. Interment will follow. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at Mound Chapel 10 A.M. until time of service.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Ridgewood Care Center (2 East) for the compassionate care given to Ted over the years.