Lillian Anne Mertes, 89, of Bowling Green and formerly of Chicago passed away on June 22, 2018 at the Grand Rapids Care Center in Grand Rapids, Ohio. She was born July 22, 1928 to Peter and Mary (Mach) Malek in Chicago. On August 20, 1949 she married Richard J. Mertes at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Chicago and they spent the next 68 years together in marriage. Lillian earned her Bachelor of Science in Commerce from DePaul University in 1949.
Lillian was a member of St. Patrick of Providence Catholic Church in Grand Rapids for over 18 years, a member of Profit and Pleasure and volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital in the 80’s and 90’s. She enjoyed reading books on politics, drawing and painting and her cats Charlie and Macie.
Lillian is survived by her husband Richard J., sons James A. (Holly), Richard S. (Barbara) and Gary C. (Mary Ann, significant other), her 2 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and extended family member and caretaker Judy (Rick) Kranz.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Monday, July 2, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Peinert Dunn Funeral Home, 7220 Dutch Rd. in Waterville, Ohio. A Mass in Lillian’s memory will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 3, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick of Providence Catholic Church, 14010 Old US 24, Grand Rapids, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wood County Humane Society or to St. Patrick of Providence Catholic Church.
