Funeral services for Eugene V. Mertens, 74, of Kennebec, SD will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Presho, SD.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral services.

The funeral services will be live-streamed to the Kennebec Fire Hall in Kennebec.

https://www.youtube.com/@zionlutheranpresho4469/streams

The family will process to the Kennebec Fire Hall following the funeral where everyone is invited for lunch and fellowship.

Eugene Victor Mertens was born on May 20, 1949 to Richard (Dick) and Emma Brodrecht Mertens. He was the oldest of three children. He grew up on a farm southwest of Kennebec and graduated from Kennebec High School. He joined the Army National Guard following graduation and served his country as a diver and 2nd Lieutenant of the 200th Engineer Company out of Chamberlain for 27 years. He lived his life as a very proud Veteran. He married Betty Jean Moore on December 21, 1970. Lorri Jean was born on July 27, 1973, and Trusty Eugene on October 8, 1975.

He held many occupations such as Lyman County Sheriff (10 years), Don’s Ford Car Dealer, Pilot for Ice Flying Service and Capital City Air Carriers, Farmer, and Truck Driver. He loved every occupation, but his favorite was flying UPS freight because freight didn’t talk back. He was a member of the Kennebec Volunteer Fire Department and served as Chief for 12 years. He was on the Kennebec Town Board for 21 years and was currently still a member of the Lyman County Ambulance Board. He was a member of the American Legion Post 179, and recently became a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He passed away on June 8, 2023 at home after a 6 year battle with renal failure and other health issues.

He enjoyed meeting with the coffee crew in Kennebec and Mesa, Arizona, where he and Betty Jean made their home at Sun Life Resort each winter for 13 years. He had many friends in both places and loved to visit, mostly just for a few minutes. He was known to cruise the resort on his golf cart and holler “Howdy Partner”, and cruise the streets of Kennebec for hours. He called his grandchildren almost daily for a quick check on what was happening. If they didn’t answer, he typically left them a message, ending it with “Alrighty Then.” He had several funny sayings and the older grandkids can repeat them all. He loved them so much and enjoyed watching them take part in activities, not always agreeing with the referees during sporting events. He was one to stand up for what he thought and would let you know if he didn’t agree. He was a great teacher of “man” trades and taught his children and grandchildren many skills. He had a great memory and could tell you how to do something or find something in his sheds until the very end. He spoke individually to each of his grandchildren with pride, love, and sympathy the morning of his passing. He was well loved in return and a blessing in many ways.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty Jean, daughter Lorri (Tim) Wagner, and son Trusty (Beth). Grandchildren and pride of his life: Tate, Kacie, Tance, Kenzie, Grace, Josephine, and Amber. His brother, Rich, and sister, Kathy (Gary) Diehm.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Emma Brodrecht Mertens, father, Richard Mertens, Mother-in-Law Jean Faber Moore, Father-in-Law Raymond Moore, Sister-in Law Jean Mertens, and many close buddies.

Some of his final requests were a small funeral at the church, followed by a casual gathering with roast beef and chicken wings to celebrate his life. Some of his final words of advice: Keep living your lives and whatever happens, live day by day.

“I have the best family and friends and have had a great life. Be good!”  ~Eugene Mertens, June 6, 2023

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