Bradley Eugene Mertens

Bradley Eugene Mertens, age 75, passed peacefully into the Lord’s presence on January 17, 2026, after a long battle with illness, at St. Cloud Hospital.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples, Minnesota. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church. Interment will follow at Evergreen Hill Cemetery.

Bradley was born on May 31, 1950, in Bertha, Minnesota, to Roy and Lois (Hall) Mertens. He graduated from Staples High School and carried his adventurous, free-spirited nature throughout his life. A true jack of all trades, Bradley held many jobs over the years, including breaking horses, construction work, electrician, backhoe operator, bartender, and bus driver—among many others. His longest and most meaningful career was as Maintenance Supervisor at Lakewood Health System in Staples, where he dedicated 27 years.

Bradley loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting, and enjoyed playing softball and boxing. He was first married to Becky Peterson, and together they welcomed their daughter, Kellie. Later in life, he married Deanne Blake, with whom he shared many cherished years.

Bradley is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Deanne; daughter, Kellie (David) Eisel; stepdaughters, Tina Richey and Ashley (Matt) Cassidy; grandchildren, Travis, Breanna (Brendon), Jeremiah, Seamus, Elex, and Lily; great-grandchildren, Paislee, Kinsley, and Oakleigh; mother, Lois Mertens; siblings, Creig (Ione) Mertens, Arnie (Carol) Mertens, and Darla (Gary) Hoemberg; and a community of nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Mertens; brother, Russ Mertens; and mother-in-law, LuAnn Wagner.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.