Janet K. Mertens

Janet was born on January 20, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to her parents, Edward and Harriet Mann. She was raised in Detroit, where she attended and graduated from high school before continuing her education at Ross Medical School. She began her career working in doctors’ offices before spending approximately 20 years in medical billing at Wayne State University, where she eventually retired.

While Janet took pride in her career, her most cherished role was that of a devoted homemaker, supportive wife, and loving mother. She married her beloved husband, Kenneth E. Mertens, on September 22, 1963. Together, they built a loving home and raised their family, sharing 52 wonderful years of marriage until his passing on June 5, 2015.

Janet was known for her warmth, compassion, and thoughtfulness. She had a genuine kindness that made her a friend to everyone she met and formed many special friendships throughout her neighborhood. She enjoyed spending her free time reading, listening to music, and especially appreciated the beautiful voices of Italian tenors, including Andrea Bocelli. Her musical tastes were diverse, and she also enjoyed country music. She found companionship and joy in her beloved cats, Snuggles and Rascal, and her Lutheran faith remained an important part of her life.

Janet will be deeply missed by her loving children, Michael (Michelle) Mertens, Karen Mertens, and Gary Mertens; her siblings, Thomas (Janet) Mann, Cheryl (Leonard) Rogers, Darryl Moore, Kevin Moore, Kelvin (Sherry) Moore, and Kim (John) Watson; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Mertens; her parents, Edward Mann and Harriet Moore; and her siblings, Robert (Joan) Mann and Edward (Beverly) Mann.

Visitation for Janet will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48035. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the family will be accepted toward the purchase of a memorial bench at Lake St. Clair Metro Park.