Jane Behrendt Mertens
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Jane M. Mertens, age 76, of Sheboygan, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at her home after living with Parkinson's for over 20 years. She was born March 31,1945 to Norbert and Florence (Rathke) Behrendt in Plymouth, WI.
She attended St. John Lutheran School and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1963. She completed a two-year teaching program at Sheboygan County Teachers College in 1965. She then started working at Heritage Insurance Company which later became Acuity and worked there for almost 40 years.
Jane married Paul Mertens on March 28, 2008. Paul was her loving and devoted husband and became her caregiver until her passing. Paul and Jane spent many winters traveling in their RV to Arizona, California, and Texas to visit his relatives. Florida was also a favorite destination where Jane loved to visit Disney World. A very memorable trip years ago was when she went to Germany and Switzerland with her friends.
Jane is survived by her husband Paul; sister Liz (Ken) Buesing; Paul's daughter Shelly (Jim) Schilling and their children Mason, Jack, Max and Molly from Burlington, WI; Paul's son Eric (Heather) Mertens from Livermore, CA; special friends Pat Mueller, Dorothy Bogenschuetz, Maureen Nagode, Diane Sperry, and her childhood friend Lahna Anhalt from Lake Mills who lovingly played her harp for Jane when they visited. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Doris Will Fuerst; Mother-in-law Muriel (George) Gill; Brother-in-laws Arnie Will and Dennis Fuerst; Cousin Mary Harvey; and her friend Dianna Bubolz.
Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1810 N. 13th Street, Sheboygan, where she was a member, on Saturday, October 30 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Matthew Shive officiating. Visitation starts at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial, Union Grove.
A memorial fund will be established in Jane's name for The Gathering Place in Sheboygan Falls, where a couple years ago, Jane spent some enjoyable day care time.
The family would like to thank the staff of Allay Home and Hospice, especially Renee and Wendy, for their compassionate care for Jane; to Elder Care Cottages in Waterford, WI and Pine Haven Christian Home in Sheboygan Falls for their care given to Jane during her stays there in the past.