Mertes, Frank G., Sr. God placed our father and friend, Frank G. Mertes, Sr. into this world on September 30th, 1932, and on November 18th, 2014, chose to call him home. Growing up and growing old here in Winona seemed quite perfect for Frank. After all, it was here that a high school romance with Patricia King became a marriage, producing a kaleidoscope of memories and enviable stories that will live on forever in the hearts and minds of those they touched. Together they would build a home, a family, a wonderful life. It was a marriage that would be blessed with his most valued assets, four children, Patricia (Trish), Frank Jr. (Buz), Hunter and Shannon. Through the partnerships with their wives and husbands, Kathy (with Buz), Stan (with Shannon) and Sonia (with Hunter), the blessings grew with grandchildren who Frank truly believed could walk on water; Tim, Molly, Patrick, Shawn, Hunter Jr. and step grandchildren Jake and Luke. Frank became a very successful businessman, serving in many leadership roles at the J.R. Watkins Company, a founder of the Photo Art Metal Company, President of The Mertes Company, and a contributor and mentoring force to an ever indebted group of entrepreneurs, organizations and businesses. However, the mark of a man's life is better judged, not by rank or achievement, but by those who have surrounded him through his life's journey. While Frank had many close friends throughout his life, there were three in particular, his brother Jack, John Baumann, and Tom McConnon, whom as kids, were closer than bark on a tree, and still best of friends when that kid became 82. And also, Frank's assistant Cass Adank, who would finish her final task for Frank after 35-years of service, a whispered prayer and a final goodbye. There are many of us who had the opportunity to share time with Frank and knew him to be a truly class act. And as a class act, we know he would want to thank his family for bringing great joy and flavor to his time on this earth. Thanks to all who contributed to his 82-year adventure. And thanks to those who cared for him, when doing so for himself, just wasn't in the cards. In a moment, Frank's last breath here, became his first breath in heaven. And with that heavenly breath, we know that our good friend would want to say to the cast of spectacular people who made up his life, from start to finish Thanks and Hold the Fortress! Although Frank will be missed, his light will stay with us all. A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Condolences: fawcettjunkerfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Patricia King Mertes and Frank Mertes Scholarship, Winona State University Foundation, P.O. Box 5838, Winona, MN 55987.