John was born at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, CO, Sept. 19, 1956 to Esther and Theodore {Joe} Mertes.
He attended various schools in Antigo, WI; Biloxi, MS; Anchorage, AK; and Mantador Elementary. He attended Hankinson HS, and along with his studies, played tuba in the pep band and played the part of Jonothan Puckett in a high school production of “Take Your Medicine”. He graduated from Hankinson HS in 1975. John also attended NDSU and played tuba for the ND State Gold Star Band. He trained with ROTC and graduated with a bachelor degree in University Studies in 1979.
After college, John was commissioned as an officer in the USAF serving 5 years as a missile Launch officer at Malmstrom AFB and also working at Base Operations at Grand Forks AFB. He had the rare opportunity to attend Army Airborne training at Ft. Benning, GA.
John will long be remembered for his love of classical music, bird species, kindness, wit, stubbornness, and his chuckle. He was self-taught in the culinary arts and calligraphy. He prepared the most delicious meals enjoyed by many most notably his rueben sandwiches and lasagna. He gardened many flowers and vegetable plants in the AZ desert and enjoyed the challenge to keep them alive and harvesting them for delicious meals.
John is survived by his mother Esther Mertes and three sisters: Jo Mertes of Mantador, ND; Jane {Mark} Priebe of Wahpeton, ND; and Amy {Mark} Bishop of Wheeling WV; 11 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore and a brother, Roger.
A private service is being planned for late October at Mariposa Memorial Gardens in Mesa, AZ.
In lieu of flowers, you may send memorials to a Charity of Your Choice or to the following:
Kitty Kat Rescue, donate online at kittykatrescue.com , a place that John and his cat Knickers loved and supported. If you prefer to mail a memorial, please send to Kitty Kat Rescue, 6932 East Hampton Avenue, Mesa, Arizona 85209.
You may also wish to donate to Hankinson-Mantador Dollars for Scholars in his name: visit Hankinson-Mantador.dollarsforscholars.org for online donations or mail to PO Box 272, Hankinson, ND 58041-0272.
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