William "Bill" Herman Merten

December 4, 1940 - February 8, 2022

William “Bill” Herman Merten, age 81, of Storm Lake, Iowa died February 8, 2022 at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake, Iowa. A private family burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Early, Iowa at a later date. Visitation will be prior to services at 9-10:45 a.m. with a KC Rosary at 10:45 a.m. at the CHURCH. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary's School or BVRMC Oncology. William “Bill” Herman Merten was born on December 4, 1940 to Herman Merten Jr. and Clela (Shellenberger) Merten in Storm Lake, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early, Iowa. Growing up, he attended school at Sacred Heart and graduated in 1959. Bill was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. He served on St. Mary’s School Board, St. Mary’s Booster Club and St. Mary’s Foundation. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. On November 24, 1962, Bill was united in marriage with Joleen Marie Coon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early, Iowa. From this union, four children were born: Paul, Donna, David, and Kevin. He enjoyed wintering in Arizona with Joleen and going on fishing trips to Canada, Minnesota, and South Dakota. Bill loved playing card games with Joleen and anybody who was brave enough to play with him. He attended many gatherings at the “House of Knowledge” coffee shop. Bill possessed a deep love of the farm and passion for agriculture. He was known for having the best sweet corn in Iowa and participating in antique tractor rides. Family was important to Bill. He treasured his family vacations to Florida and Branson, Missouri. Bill always enjoyed following his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. He especially enjoyed playing mini golf with his grandkids. He never knew a stranger and could never say “no” to anyone who asked. Bill will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Bill is survived by his wife, Joleen of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Paul (Stef) Merten of Storm Lake, Iowa; Donna Merten of Omaha, Nebraska; David (Deb) Merten of Storm Lake, Iowa; Kevin (Danielle) Merten of Omaha, Nebraska; brother: Rich Merten of Storm Lake, Iowa; sisters: Jean Owen of Storm Lake, Iowa; Rosemary (Sal) Zoucha of Omaha, Nebraska; Kathy (Tom) Bumgardner of Omaha, Nebraska; sister-in-law: Susan Merten of Gold Canyon, Arizona; grandchildren: Alex Merten of Ames, Iowa; Dane (Amanda) Ewald of Omaha, Nebraska; Cale (Morgan) Ewald of Kansas City, Missouri; Logan and Jenna Merten of Storm Lake, Iowa; Kyle and Addison Merten of Omaha, Nebraska; in-laws: Janice Coon; Jean Wolfe; Victoria Coon; James (Bonnee) Coon; Jay Coon; Julie (Joe) Wadsley; many nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Bill is preceded in death by his parents: Herman Jr. and Clela (Shellenberger) Merten; brother: Thomas Merten; parents-in-law: Leonard and Genevieve (Drey) Coon; sisters-in-law: Liz Merten; Anita Coon; brothers-in-law: John Owen; John Coon; Jerome Coon; William Wolfe.