Constance "Connie" J. Mertes

Constance J. Mertes (Connie) (Con 😊), 74, of Surprise, AZ passed away Saturday December 21, 2024, at Hospice of the Valley in Surprise, AZ. Connie was born on November 20, 1950, to Gerald and Elsie Wempe in Seneca, KS. She grew up and went to High School in Marysville, KS. She went on to attend her beloved Kansas State University where she met her husband of 54 years, Mike Mertes. They wed June 4, 1970. They had one son, Lance, and set off to start their wonderful life together. Connie was predeceased by her mother and father, Jerry and Elsie Wempe. She is survived by her husband Mike, son Lance, daughter-in-law Kathy, brother Rick, sister-in-law, Cecilia (Mick), nephew Jacob and three grandchildren: Emma, Gracie, and Rachel.

Connie also leaves behind a brokenhearted and supportive group of family and friends. She had many close friends over the course of her life and is one of her many great qualities. Mike’s work took them all over the Midwest. Eventually settling in Racine, WI. Everywhere they went they made more lifelong friends and shared many good times. Connie had a zest for life and people. Her energy and smile can draw you in. Like her father Jerry she loved music and loved to sing. When you hear the “oldies” you think of Connie. She was a competitor. She loved to play golf. And even more loved to play cards and games. She was very tough to beat in a game of spades. And loved her K-State Wildcats.

Connie was a homecoming queen, telephone switchboard operator, a business owner, a retail merchandiser, and a great Wife and Mom. She had a strong Kansas work ethic that served her well in her life. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday January 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 West Bell Rd Surprise, AZ 85374. Lunch to follow.

SurpriseFuneralCare.com

In lieu of flowers please play a game of golf or cards with family and friends and think of Connie.