Paul William Mertens, 85 years, of  Fort Madison, Iowa died Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington, Iowa.  He was born February 3, 1940 at Cottonwood, Iowa, the son of Christian and Mary Margaret (Neuweg) Mertens.  On January 7, 1967, he married Beverly J. Ahlstrand at St. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Madison.

He worked as a mechanic for Nichting's of Pilot Grove.  Later, he worked at the Iowa Ordinance Plant, Middletown retiring in 2007.  He was a member of the Big Creek Tractor Association, Three Rivers Tractor Club, lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 739 and the Holy Family Catholic Parish, Fort Madison.  He enjoyed antique tractors and cars, and playing euchre.  He also enjoyed wintering in Texas and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by two sons, Bradley (Benita) Mertens of Walker, Iowa and Terrence (Cindy Larson) Mertens of Nauvoo, Illoinois; one daughter, Andrea (Dan) Puck of DeWitt, Iowa; two brothers, Ike Mertens of Waterloo, Iowa and Johnne Mertens of Houghton, Iowa; two sisters: Harriet Coster of Sacramento, California and Jeanne (Gary) Kos of Washington, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Sydney (Brock) Henderson, Alyssa (Caleb) Westphal, Noah Mertens, Landon Mertens, Samantha Puck (Shae Caven), Carter Puck and Ashlyn Puck; three great grandchildren: June Henderson, Naomi Westphal, Kayce Caven, and two more on the way; nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two brothers, Dan Mertens and Francis Mertens.

Per his wishes, his body has been cremated.  A Rosary will be recited at 3:30 pm Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, where his family will greet friends until 6:00 pm Tuesday evening.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church, Holy Family Parish, Fort Madison, with Reverend Gary Beckman as Celebrant.  Burial will be Gethsemane Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa.  A memorial has been established for Holy Family Parish, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison.