Shirley F. Mertes-Graves: 90 years old of Bristol, WI passed away peacefully Wednesday May 30, 2018 at Aurora Medical Center, Kenosha, WI. She was born May 19, 1928 in Chicago, IL the daughter of the late Fredrick and Agnes (Engel) Zabel, moving to Lindenhurst, IL in 1956, and settling in Bristol in 1990. Before her retirement at 82 years old, Shirley had worked for many years as a secretary for many local businesses. She enjoyed: cheering on the Chicago Cubs, singing, and dancing. Shirley was ecstatic about recently celebrating her 90th birthday with many family and friends, she will be sadly missed. On January 8, 1949 she married Dudley Mertes in Chicago, IL and he preceded her in death on April 28, 1972.

Survivors include: seven children: Kathleen (John) Jansen of Lake Villa, IL, Deborah Ryza of Lake Villa, IL, Timothy (Marianne) Mertes of Twin Lakes, WI, Terrence (Brenda) Mertes of New Douglas, IL, Jeffrey (Lisa) Mertes of Trevor, WI, Christopher (Suzanne) Mertes of Forfar, Scotland, and Craig (Karla) Mertes of Antioch, IL; 14 grandchildren: Robert (Jeni) Clayton Jr., Denise (Tim) Sandrik, Sheryl White, Kelly (Brian) Tolbert, Brandy (Chris) Beaupre, Tiffany (Keith) Engberg, Heather (Gonzo) Cortez, Samantha (Nick) Smalley, Stephanie (Ronnie) Mink, Brandon (Tori) Mertes, Lara, and Rory Mertes; 16 great-grandchildren: Taylor, Payton, Shauna, Jacob, Jordan, Jimmy, James, Tyler, Rebecca, Colin, Ryan, Blake, R.J., and Colton; a great-great-grandson Noah and two on the way; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by two sisters: Elizabeth Jahnke and Patricia Alessi; son-in-law’s: Robert Clayton Sr., John Sokolowski; and Leonard Ryza; a great- grand-daughter Arianna Cortez.

Funeral Services will be held 12 Noon Monday June 4, 2018 at the STRANG FUNERAL HOME OF ANTIOCH, Antioch, IL 60002, with visitation beginning at 9AM. Interment will follow in Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Pl. Memphis, TN 38105 or Boys Town 14100 Crawford St. Boys Town, NE 68010 are appreciated in Shirley’s memory.