LeRoy Albert Mertens, 88, of West Burlington, passed away on July 8, 2026.
He was born at home on December 21, 1937, near Houghton, Iowa, to Henry and Ellen Holtkamp Mertens. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School with the class of 1956.
Mert worked as a milkman for Sunshine Dairy in Burlington, then in manufacturing at JI Case, and later as a part-time custodian at West Burlington schools. He married Marilyn McCullough on December 19, 1964, and together they raised two daughters. Known as the life of the party with his own brand of humor and playful pranks, he cherished time with his large extended family, especially his grandsons. He could often be found cheering at West Burlington sporting events and dearly loved his neighbors on Ballard Street and the West Burlington community. An avid turkey hunter and fisherman, he especially enjoyed teaching any kid who wanted to learn how to fish.
Known fondly as “Mert” by many, he is survived by his daughters, Angela (Mike) Glasgow and Amy (Steve) Haddad; his sister, Mary Jean Kasher (Jack); his brother, Bill Mertens (Joyce); grandsons Jack and Sam (Allie) Glasgow, Jonathan, Ben, and Chase Haddad; great-grandson Tyler Glasgow; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; his parents; and his sisters Dorothy McCarr, Sister Bernice Mertens, Lorraine Mertens, Edna Poepsel and JoAnn Luttenegger.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Mertens will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Divine Mercy Parish-SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington, with Fr. Jake Greiner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, West Burlington. A time of food and fellowship will be held at SS. Mary and Patrick Church Hall following the burial.
A memorial has been established for West Burlington Athletic Booster Club.