Evelyn Mertens Obituary

Evelyn May Mertens (née Piarowski), age 95, of St. Charles, beloved wife of 64 years to the late Robert P. Mertens, joined the saints on March 12, 2026. Mother of Michael (Marian Orzulak; Linda Smith d.), Matthew, Mary (Randy Kimberlin), Thomas (Cathy Counts), and Barbara (Larry Randazzo). Proud grandmother of Rebecca, Rachel, Katie, Richie, Kyle, Jennie, Robert, Jim, Laura, Zak, Kevin, and Emily. Great-grandmother of Lorelai, Brady, Michael, Thomas, Anna, Lily, Natalie, James, Cole, Indy, Arthur, and Maisy. Daughter of the late Valentine Piarowski and Phyllis Bortscheller. Sister of the late Frances Groth, Florence Slawski, and Richard Piarowski. Sister-in-law of the late Arthur Mertens.

Evelyn was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 18, 1930. After corresponding with Bob Mertens during the Korean War, they married and settled in Bob's hometown, St. Charles. She served her family, neighbors, and community. At St. Peter's Parish for decades she taught Parish School of Religion (PSR) and organized Donut Sunday. At Lincoln Elementary School, she was a teacher/mentor with the Oasis program for over 25 years. In her community, she organized her neighborhood National Night Out, was campaign manager for Bob's time on City Council in 1972 and 1974, and canvassed for housing for the elderly. During her 20+ year career at the St. Joseph Carmelite Home, she was Activity Director and assistant with Social Services. Evelyn was a mother, mentor, caretaker to countless neighborhood children and adults. She loved working in her flower beds, vegetable garden, and grape arbor. She enjoyed drawing, sewing, arts & crafts and traveling. She will be missed by all in her circle of love!

Visitation will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church in St. Charles, Missouri, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on April 18, 2026. Lunch will immediately follow at The Grand Opera House Banquet Center, 311 North Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Peter Catholic Church.