Ronald William Mertens Sr., 84, of Custer, SD, passed away April 16, 2020, at his residence in Custer.

Ronald was born December 14, 1935, to William and Elina (Erbe) Mertens, in Thomastown Township Wadena County, MN.  He graduated from Staples High School in Staples, MN.

Ron entered the U.S. Air Force January 21, 1953 and began basic training at Parks AFB in CA, transferring to Ft. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, W, finally transferring to Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, SD.  Ron met the love of his life while at Ellsworth AFB and married Barbara on February 3, 1957, after being honorably discharged from the service.  The two welcomed into the world four loving children, Diana; Ron Jr; Karen and Todd.   These children blessed Ron and Barbara with eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  Ron worked for the U.S. Forest Service for thirty years retiring on July 1, 1985 and then worked for Custer State Park for twenty-six years retiring on December 21, 2012.

Ron's passions were many including fishing, hunting, cooking, and self taught carpentry.  But the passion that made his heart most full was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.   Ron's family meant everything to him.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Barbara of Custer; daughter, Diana (Douglas) Freeland of Wright, WY; son, Ronald W. (Bobbie) Mertens Jr. of Gillette, WY; daughter, Karen (Dean) Whitney of Custer; son, Todd Mertens of Belle Fourche, SD; brother, James Mertens of Salem, OR; sister, Ardy Baxter of Charles City, IA; grandchildren, Nicholas and Michael Freeland of Gillette; Sara Barrick and Casey Whitney of Custer; Sara Mertens Zimmerman of Gillette; Heather Mertens of Gillette; Paige and Jozey Mertens of Belle Fourche; great grandchildren, Jersey and Phoenix Barrick; Oaklie and Kaylie Whitney; Keeli and Syfina Zimmerman.

Ron's honorary pallbearers include all of his family and close friends.

Services are pending until the Corona virus restrictions are removed. At that time committal services will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.