Michael Gene Mertes
July 10, 1946 ~ September 13, 2024
Michael G. Mertes, passed away Friday, September 13, 2024, at the age of 78 after a 10 year battle with cancer.
He was born on July 10, 1946, in Wichita, KS to Frank and Alvina (Gegen) Mertes.
Michael leaves behind his wife of 24 years, Sandy; two sons, Josh Mertes, Chris (Andrea) Mertes; two stepchildren, Angela (Kody) Miller, Heather Heppler; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and step-mother, Helen (Weber) Mertes.
He was close to his siblings, Mark (Janis) Mertes, Joe (Lisa) Mertes, Frank (Melonie) Mertes, Jr., Mary (Galen) Lewis, Cindy (Ron) Stanley, and Jimmy Mertes.
Michael was known for his strong love for his faith, his love of family and his love for life. Michael’s devotion to Bishop Barren helped carry him through his cancer journey.
Michael worked as a Teamster truck driver, retiring after 45 years. He served with the United States Air Force for six years and was called to go to Korea from 1968 to 1969. When the 127th Fighters Squadron was stationed in Korea, they started sponsoring an orphanage. This orphanage is where Michael would go on his time off with others from his crew to visit children who had nothing and loved the attention. Among those who visited the orphanage, was his double cousin, Bill Mertes. Bill and Michael were stationed at the same base in Kunsan, South Korea. Several of the service men adopted children from this orphanage. The orphanage is still sponsored by the United States Air Force.
Michael and Sandy moved back to Kansas after retirement to be closer to family and old friends from Andale High School. Most Friday nights were spent at the football games with his brothers and son, Josh. Michael also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.
Michael’s humor, story telling and loving spirit will be missed by all.
Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Thursday, September 19, 2024, both at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.
A memorial has been established with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
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As an Andale HS classmate, I reconnected with Mike and Sandy when we both lived in Nashville area. Admired his faith, strength, kindness and courage. He was a role model to many and had no idea of it. Left a good legacy. Our sympathy to Sandy and his family.
In loving memory of Uncle Mike.
Mike was my next door neighbor the past 10 years . Such a great friend and Avery strong faith. I visited him almost daily during a years of known him . God Bless him . Dick Beard