Elaine A. (Mueller) Mertens, age 92, of rural Chilton (Charlesburg), was peacefully called home to eternal life on Monday, July 3, 2023.

She was born January 10, 1931, in the Town of Brothertown, to Walter and Lucille (Freund) Mueller, and attended St. Charles Catholic School in Charlesburg.

On June 2, 1953, Elaina married Elmer P. Mertens at the very same, beautiful St. Charles Catholic Church, which would become an important part of their lives. Together they farmed on the Mertens' homestead in the Town of Calumet until retiring. Elmer and Elaine loved the farming life and sharing it with their family, and also spent many memorable times dancing, playing cards with friends, and snowmobiling up north.

Elaine was very involved with her church community – singing soprano in the choir, serving with the Christian Women's Society, and cutting pies every summer for the church picnic. She and Elmer took great pride and joy in helping set up the much-loved nativity scene each Christmas.

Elaine enjoyed gardening, feeding and watching birds, taking care of her cats, but above all, spending time with her most treasured gifts: her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her son and daughter-in-law, Tom and LuAnn Mertens of rural Chilton; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Jonas) Bradley and their children: Knox, Maxwell, and Elaina; Christopher (Tammy) Mertens and their children: Josie, Gretchen, and Kylee; and Valerie (Andy) Gulig, and their children: Maeve and Ford.

She is also dearly loved and missed by her brother, Merlin (Ruth) Mueller of St. Peter and her sisters, Judy Schmitz of Chilton and Shirley (John) Pickart of Johnsburg. Elaine also is remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Elmer; her parents, Walter and Lucille Mueller; sister, Johanna (Joe) Weber; brother-in-law, Norman (Loyola) Mertens; and sister-in-law, Hildegard (Tony) Winkel.

A Liturgy Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Our Lady of the Holyland Parish- St. Mary's in Marytown (N10232 County Rd. G, New Holstein, WI 53061). Elaine will be laid to rest next to Elmer in the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in New Holstein.

Visitation: Family and friends may visit with Elaine's family at the church in Marytown on Friday, July 14, from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Elaine's family offers its sincere appreciation to the staff at Homestead Care Services and the Calumet County Hospice Agency.

For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein at (920) 898-4300 or visit sippelfuneralhome.net.