Clarence L. “Mike” Mertens, 77, of Peoria passed away Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Unity Point Proctor Hospital in Peoria. He was born July 22, 1937 in South Pekin, IL to Clarence H. and Leona (Taylor) Mertens.
He is survived by his children, Michael A. “Mike” Mertens of LaSalle, IL, Karen (Buster) Parr of Pekin and Sheli Starkey of Granville, IL; five grandchildren; one step granddaughter; and one sister, Delores (Robert) Brown of Mulberry, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents: brother Norman and sister Joyce “Peony” Kelly.
Mike worked as a stationary engineer at Bradley University, retiring in 1998 after 21 years. He had also worked at Illinois American Water Company in Peoria.
He was a US Army veteran serving in the combat engineers from 1959-61. He was a member of the Amvets.
Mike enjoyed socializing with his family, coworkers and friends.
A memorial visitation will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday, January, 11, 2015 at Davison-Fulton Woolsey Funeral Home in Pekin. Private burial of cremated remains will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
