Marguerite Mertens

Marguerite Mertens, 95, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, died Thursday, October 6, 2011 at the Park Place Long Term Care Unit. Born December 7, 1915 in rural Mt. Pleasant, IA, Mary Marguerite was the daughter of Thomas Michael and Anna Margaret (Smith) Burns. She attended Pleasant Grove Country School and graduated from St. Alphonsus High School. Following graduation she attended Woodard Business School in Burlington, IA. On June 17, 1938 she married Henry John Mertens in Davenport, IA. He preceded her in death on February 21, 1945. Marguerite began working in 1947 for Federal Land Bank as a secretary for 15 years. She then worked for 10 years at the ASCS office. Marguerite then bought the Mt. Pleasant Travel Agency which she operated for 11 years before retiring. Marguerite was a lifelong resident of Mt. Pleasant where she was active in many organizations. She joined the American Legion Auxiliary in 1945 and served as president for many years. She was also a 50 year charter member of Beta Sigma Phi. Other organizations include the Horticulture Club, South Center Club and Bridge Club, and she served as an ambassador for the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce. She was a lifelong member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where she belonged to the Daughters of Isabella and the Altar and Rosary Society. Her hobbies included bowling and golfing at the Mt. Pleasant Golf and Country Club. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Jo (James) Judy of Wever, IA; a son, Dan (Katie) Mertens of Mt. Pleasant; three grandchildren, Marcy (Randy) Stroud and David Mertens all of Mt. Pleasant, and John (Laura) Mertens of San Francisco, CA; and seven great-grandchildren Ben, Pat and Cara Canby, Nate Stroud, and Darren, Isabella and Farrah Mertens; and one brother, Tom Burns, Jr. of Carlsbad, NM. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Paul and Bob Burns, a sister Kathleen Canella and two sisters in infancy. Memorials have been established to Henry County Relay for Life, Fellowship Cup and American Legion Auxiliary for the children of military personnel.