Mark E. Mertens

Mark E. Mertens, 62, of Spicer, died Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Alomere Health in Alexandria.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm. Friday, June 11, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Home in New London with a celebration of life to follow at 7:00 pm.                         

Mark Ernest Mertens was born December 26, 1958, the son of Maury and Sandy (Gress) Mertens.  He grew up in New London, and attended New London-Spicer High School, where he participated in golf and FFA, graduating in 1977.  He continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and a master’s degree from St. Cloud State University.  He was employed by the State of Minnesota in the Department of Human Services, performing vocational rehabilitation services.  He served on many state and regional boards and councils, providing insight and guidance on the unique strengths and benefits handicapped individuals bring to our communities.  Locally, he served for many years on the New London Township Board, helping to create a vision of the future development and prosperity of the area.

Mark was an avid hunter, honing his skills in competition trapshooting.  The skills and techniques he developed learning to hunt from a wheelchair were useful when he helped organize an annual deer hunt for handicapped hunters at the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center.  Mark also enjoyed fishing, spending many evenings casting from his dock at his home on Nest Lake.

Mark died on June 3 at the Alexandria hospital.  He was preceded in death by his mother.  He is survived by his father and siblings, Matt (Anne) Mertens, Mitch Mertens, and Marce (Rick) Selvey; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

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