Robert E. "Bob" Mertens, age 91, of New Holstein, Wisconsin, passed away on August 9, 2010, after a long, full, and joyous life. Bob was born in Kiel, Wisconsin, on December 11, 1918, to the late Clemens and Marie (Menne) Mertens. He graduated from St. Peter and Paul Grade School and Kiel High School. Bob served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army 9th Armored Division of the 14th Tank Battalion from 1941 to 1945. He was in charge of staff supplies for the front lines in Germany and Belgium, was in the Battle of the Bulge, and served as a German interpreter. Bob worked for Hingess Implement for 21 years as a parts and service manager; he then worked for Horst Distributing for 19 years. He was a member of the Holy Rosary Church, a former usher, and was a Catholic Youth Organization teacher. Bob belonged to the Holy Name Society and was recording secretary for the Catholic Order of Foresters. In addition, he was a member of the New Holstein American Legion Post 124. He played in the Kiel Municipal Band and was a member of the New Holstein Historical Society. Bob loved to fish in all seasons, garden, feed birds and squirrels, take walks, and spend time with family. He and his wife traveled to many parts of the world including Italy, Mexico, Israel, and Japan. On November 28, 1945, Bob married Winifred (Winnie) Neumann at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in New Holstein. They had two children, Diane and Michael. Survivors include his wife, Winnie; his two children, Diane (Larry Neuman) Mertens of Madison and Michael (Robyn) Mertens of Sheboygan; his granddaughter, Sara (Nathan) Nennig of Sheboygan, daughter of Michael and Robyn Mertens; two brothers, James (Irene) Mertens of Kiel and Clem (Pat) Mertens of Green Bay and four sisters, Jeanette Hanson of Milwaukee, Catherine (Ed) Schumacher of Waukegan, Illinois, Sister Doris Mertens and Sister Mary Jane Mertens both residing at Holy Family Convent in Manitowoc. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Leo, Francis, and Raymond. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:30 PM on Friday, August 13, 2010, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1724 Madison Street in New Holstein. Rev. Harold Berryman will officiate. Military Rites conducted by the New Holstein American Legion Post 124 will be held at the church following the Mass. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Family and friends may call at the church on Friday from 1:30 PM until the time of services. The family extends its thanks to Dr. Denis Pleviak and the Homestead Care Center. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Bob's name. For additional information, please call the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net