Anna Regina Mertens

Anna R. Mertens, 80, a life long resident, rural Devils Lake died Wednesday afternoon, May 25, 2005 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake, ND. Mass of Christian Burial for Anna will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. C.F. Wilhelm will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel, Devils Lake on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service and a special sharing of memories at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church ½ hour prior to the Mass. Serving as Pallbearers will be Anna’s Sons: Bob, Don, Dennis, Henry, Tom and Tim Mertens. Music will be cared for by: Patty Cote and Marla Luehring Anna Regina Burckhard was born on May 22, 1925 at Devils Lake, ND the daughter of Frank and Christina (Keller) Burckhard. She was educated at St. Mary’s Academy, Devils Lake graduating in 1944. Anna was united in marriage to Henry “Hank” Mertens on October 22, 1947 in Devils Lake. They established their home on the Mertens Farm-Lakeview Dairy where they lived, worked and raised their family. Anna devoted her life to caring for her husband and children. Mr. Mertens died on January 17, 1995. Anna was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. How we best would describe our mother comes from the Bible-Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise and call her blessed.” Anna is survived by her Children: Barbara Erickson and her husband, Richard, Auburn, Washington Robert “Bob” Mertens Don Mertens Dennis Mertens Carol Mertens Henry Mertens Tom Mertens and his wife, Diane Tim Mertens all of Devils Lake Eleven Grandchildren: Lance Erickson, Auburn, Washington Lucus Mertens, Becca Mertens, Brandon Mertens, Ryan Mertens, B.J. Mertens, Stephanie Mertens, Nathan Mertens, Jacob Mertens, Jessica Mertens and Brett Mertens all Devils Lake. Two Great Grandchildren: Alison Erickson and Nikolaus Erickson A Foster Grandchild: Tristan Anderson Sisters and Brothers: Eva “Tiny” Thompson, Elkhart, Indiana Theresa “Toby” McWilliams, Bismarck, ND Frank Burckhard, Grand Forks, ND Jeanette Zeigler, Arlington, Texas Betty Johnson, Annandale, Minnesota James “Jim” Burckhard, Richland Hills, Texas Bonnie Woodward, Seattle, Washington Many Nieces and Nephews also survive. Anna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hank; daughter, Joyce Mertens; granddaughter, Leslie Erickson and daughter-in-law, Sheila Mertens. Friends may sign the on-line register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND