Paul Joseph Mertens Rolla, Missouri Obituary

Paul Joseph Mertens

Paul Joseph “P.J.” Mertens, of Rolla, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the age of 81. He was born in Wardsville, MO on March 21, 1939 to the late Louis and Leona (Hentges) Mertens. On May 13, 1961 he married Linda (Williams) Mertens. In 1966 P.J. was appointed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. It was there that he found his calling as a criminal investigator. He had the opportunity to work many high-profile cases. He was recognized as honest, dedicated, intuitive, and creative and credited as one of the best investigators around. He retired as a sergeant from Troop I, Rolla, after 32 years of service. Through the years, besides being a top-notch investigator, he developed an incredible talent in carpentry. This hobby developed into an opportunity for him to spend more time with his beloved wife, Linda, as they created and sold crafts together. His creative designs, small and large, have become treasured heirlooms for many. As successful as his career was and as talented as he was with tools, he was best known for his love of Christ and his family. His love of Christ and the Catholic Church is exemplary. His love and devotion to his wife Linda is inspiring. His guidance and love for his children and grandchildren is their greatest treasure. He will always be remembered for his quiet wisdom, selflessness, humble nature, good works and generosity to his family, friends and community. He is a hero in the eyes of many. In addition to his parents, P.J. was preceded in death by one son, Dennis Mertens, two brothers, Jim and Karl Mertens, and two sisters, Barb McBaine and Judy Burrows. He will be deeply missed by his surviving family which includes his wife of 59 years, Linda Mertens, of Rolla; three children, Paula Volkmer and husband Eric, of Rolla, Scott Mertens and wife Melinda, also of Rolla, and Tracey Davies and husband Tim, of Liberty, MO; one brother, Gerald Mertens, of Vermont; one sister, Kathy McClure, of Russellville, MO; ten grandchildren, Paul Volkmer and wife Gina, John Volkmer, Erica Volkmer, Tanner Mertens, Elias Mertens, L.J. Davies, Aiden Mertens, Kellan Davies, Jude Mertens, and Rhys Davies; two great grandchildren, Drake Volkmer and Eleanor Volkmer; nieces, nephews, other extended family members and many dear friends. Because of COVID-19 concerns and out of an abundance of concern for the public, the funeral mass for Paul "PJ" Mertens will be private. However, the service will be livestreamed on the St. Patrick Catholic Church Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the MASTERS (Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society). Link to https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mshpbfi
March 21, 1939 - September 15, 202003/21/193909/15/2020
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Obituary

Paul Joseph “P.J.” Mertens, of Rolla, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the age of 81. He was born in Wardsville, MO on March 21, 1939 to the late Louis and Leona (Hentges) Mertens. On May 13, 1961 he married Linda (Williams) Mertens. In 1966 P.J. was appointed to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. It was there that he found his calling as a criminal investigator. He had the opportunity to work many high-profile cases. He was recognized as honest, dedicated, intuitive, and creative and credited as one of the best investigators around. He retired as a sergeant from Troop I, Rolla, after 32 years of service. Through the years, besides being a top-notch investigator, he developed an incredible talent in carpentry. This hobby developed into an opportunity for him to spend more time with his beloved wife, Linda, as they created and sold crafts together. His creative designs, small and large, have become treasured heirlooms for many. As successful as his career was and as talented as he was with tools, he was best known for his love of Christ and his family. His love of Christ and the Catholic Church is exemplary. His love and devotion to his wife Linda is inspiring. His guidance and love for his children and grandchildren is their greatest treasure. He will always be remembered for his quiet wisdom, selflessness, humble nature, good works and generosity to his family, friends and community. He is a hero in the eyes of many. In addition to his parents, P.J. was preceded in death by one son, Dennis Mertens, two brothers, Jim and Karl Mertens, and two sisters, Barb McBaine and Judy Burrows. He will be deeply missed by his surviving family which includes his wife of 59 years, Linda Mertens, of Rolla; three children, Paula Volkmer and husband Eric, of Rolla, Scott Mertens and wife Melinda, also of Rolla, and Tracey Davies and husband Tim, of Liberty, MO; one brother, Gerald Mertens, of Vermont; one sister, Kathy McClure, of Russellville, MO; ten grandchildren, Paul Volkmer and wife Gina, John Volkmer, Erica Volkmer, Tanner Mertens, Elias Mertens, L.J. Davies, Aiden Mertens, Kellan Davies, Jude Mertens, and Rhys Davies; two great grandchildren, Drake Volkmer and Eleanor Volkmer; nieces, nephews, other extended family members and many dear friends. Because of COVID-19 concerns and out of an abundance of concern for the public, the funeral mass for Paul "PJ" Mertens will be private. However, the service will be livestreamed on the St. Patrick Catholic Church Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the MASTERS (Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society). Link to https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mshpbfi

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Final Resting Place
Rolla City Cemetery
Highway 72
Rolla, MO 65401
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Memorial Contributions

MASTERS

Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mshpbfi

MASTERS