Monroe Mertink

Monroe Mertink went to be with the Lord on December 10, 2015. He was born in 1927 to Ben and Alma Mertink in Lee County, Texas and baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Gertrude Fischer and husband Walter; and his brother, Alfred and wife Jeanette.

He attended St. Paul Lutheran School and grew up working on the family farm. On October 21, 1950, Monroe wed Vernille Moerbe and in 1956, he moved his family to Houston, where he worked for Foremost /Oak Farms Dairy and later retired from Central Freight Lines with 24 years of service.

Monroe was inspired by his deeply-rooted faith in Christ, his family and the community at St. Mark Lutheran Church. He was generous and delighted in helping and serving others in any way he could; there was no job too big or small. He enjoyed yard work, reading, gardening, fishing and watching sports. More than anything, though, Monroe loved interacting with others; he rarely met a stranger, maintained close relationships with friends and family, and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. His greatest joy was making people laugh and laughing along with them.

He will be dearly missed by those who survive him--his wife of 65 years, Vernille; sister, Irma Lorenz and her husband Herman; daughter, Cindy Bowden and husband Bob; son, James and wife Sandy; grandson, Matt Bowden and wife Jennifer; granddaughter, Rachel Weber and husband Bryan, along with numerous nieces and nephews, their families and his friends.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 15th at Waltrip Funeral Directors. The celebration of Monroe’s life will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 16th at St. Mark Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Garden of Memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark Lutheran School.