Darrell J Mertens

Monson- Darrell J. Mertens, 86, passed away Saturday, February 26, 2022 surrounded by love of family.  Darrell was born in Green Bay, WI December 3, 1935 to the late Leonard and Gertrude (Schmidt) Mertens.  He was a graduate of West High School in 1954.  He then served his country with the United States Marine Corp and was Honorably discharged in 1956.  He continued his education and graduated from Dana College in 1960.  He briefly worked at the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT.  Darrell was a teacher at Monson Developmental Center from 1962-1964.  He then went on to be a counselor at Mass Rehabilitation Commission in Springfield and then the Area Director, retiring in 1992. While he was working at Mass Rehab, Darrell also earned his Master's Degree in Guidance and Psychological Services from Springfield College.  Darrell also served for 19 years in the Army Reserves, 173rd Medical Group ending his Army career in 1988 with the rank of Major. His teachings from the USMC came early and he carried them with him throughout his life, being dedicated to his family, career and country. Semper Fi.

Darrell leaves his loving wife of 59 years, Christine (Golas) Mertens and their sons; Michael Mertens and his wife Jacqueline of Farmington, NY, Timothy Mertens and his wife Kristine of Peace Dale, RI; five grandchildren, Ashley, Benjamin, Melanie, George and Katie; sisters, Gloria Treptow and Susan Timm and her husband Mark all of Green Bay, WI; brothers, Wayne Mertens and his wife Mary of Madison, WI, Timothy Mertens and his wife Sandra of Green Bay, WI, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 4, 2022.  A visiting hour will be held from 9:30-10:30 at Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. Monson, with Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11am in St. Patrick's Church also in Monson. Committal Ceremonies and Military Honors will follow at 1pm at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation in Darrell's name to Baystate Hospice 30 Capital Drive West Springfield, MA 01089.