Debra Mertens

October 21st, 1957- July 13th 2025

Debra Mertens, 67, of Staples, lost her long battle with many chronic illnesses at 945pm Sunday, at the Lakewood Care Center in Staples MN surrounded by her family. (Kacey’s lungs January 17th, 1985 - July 13th 2025)

A traditional burial will take place 11am on 7-19-25 at Motley Free Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior.

Deb will be laid to eternal rest at the Evergreen Hill cemetery.

Debra was born on October 21st, 1957, in Staples, MN. to Thomas and Barbara (MODROW) Trana. She shared the nursery with Clyde and their moms shared a hospital room. She attended the Staples Elementary and High School and graduated in 1976. She furthered her education at the community college with vocational training and received a beautician diploma.

She worked at a local salon. She Married Clyde Mertens, her high school sweetheart, June 24th, 1978, at the sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples, MN. Together they had two children, Christopher and Lori. Debra was able to stay home with the children until they were old enough to attend school. Deb then got a job as a cook at Central Lakes College In Staples, until the kitchen closed, she then transferred over to maintenance. She worked at CLC for over 21 years. Due to an unexpected chronic illness (COPD) flare she was hospitalized and disabled in 2011. She got a second chance at life November 17th, 2017, when she underwent surgery and received a double lung transplant. May God bless her donor, and family for making the difficult decision of donation and giving Deb more life. Due to the harsh transplant meds, Deb started dialysis in January 2023 and this also began her medical health decline.

Deb enjoyed crocheting, painting plaster ceramics, cross stitch, flower gardening, riding motorcycle, and visiting the Mountains, spending time with friends and family and spending time at their River Lot.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a tough lady, and has endured so much over the past several years. She fought every battle put in front of her, never gave up, and now she can finally rest.

Debra is survived by her loving/devoted husband; Clyde, 2 children; Christopher (Jessica) Mertens of Staples, Lori (Mark) Smith of Motley, 4 grandchildren; Alexis, Clay, Hunter and Carson. 1 sister; Amber (Dale) Bartylla of Hewitt, 2 brothers; Thomas (Kathleen) Trana of Staples, Dennis (Mona) Trana of Staples, many nieces and nephews, greats and great greats.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Thomas and Barbara Trana, her brother Kim Trana and niece Dezerae Trana.

Arrangements are entrusted with the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel of Staples.