Bob Mertens

Robert J. “Bob” Mertens, a lifetime dairyman/farmer of the Lake Region, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025 at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital at the age of 74.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. led by the Knights of Columbus with a 4th Degree Honor Guard.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Karmalja Balasamy celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Fire Fighters Honors will be accorded by the Devils Lake Volunteer Rural Firefighters.

Robert John Mertens was born January 29, 1951 in Devils Lake, ND the son of Henry and Ann (Burckhard) Mertens Sr. He attended St. Mary’s Academy and also Devils Lake Central High School graduating with the class of 1970. He continued his education at Lake Region Junior College earning an Associates Degree in Agriculture.

Bob spent his entire life on the farm. He worked at Lakeview Dairy for his Dad and Uncles until 1991, when he and 4 of his brothers purchased the dairy and the farmland and it became Mertens Farms. They continued milking cows until 2001 when the sold the dairy operation and expanded the grain farm. Robert remained very active on the farm until 2012 when he retired.

Bob was a member of the Devils Lake Rural Fire Department and the Knights of Columbus. In his younger years he enjoyed membership in a Bowling League and the Elks Lodge.

Bob was a dedicated coin collector, and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Bob felt truly blessed to have the love and support of family, especially these past years as his health deteriorated.

Bob’s loving family include his siblings Barbara (Richard) Erickson of Auburn, WA, Don Mertens, Dennis (Julie) Mertens, Tom (Diane) Mertens and Tim Mertens all of Devils Lake; nephews and nieces Lance Erickson, Brandon (Kelsey) Mertens, Ryan Mertens, Lucas (Bobbie) Mertens, Rebecca (Derrick) Rygg, Benjamin (Haley) Mertens, Stephanie (Tyler) Nelson, Nathan (Haley) Mertens, Jacob (Emma) Mertens, Jessica Mertens and Brett Mertens; many precious great nieces and great nephews, several dear aunts, uncles and many beloved cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Ann, sisters Joyce Mertens and Carol Mertens, brother Henry Mertens Jr., niece Leslie Erickson and sister-in-law Sheila Mertens.