James E. Mertes, 93, of Superior, died Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Dove Healthcare in Superior.

James was born on September 17, 1931, Superior to Earl and Olive (Otteson) Mertes.

He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1952-55, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Germany, the Philippines, and spent 11 months at Fort Devens, Mass.

Jim married Dolores Sacramone on April 16, 1955, and they enjoyed over 62 years of marriage before her death in 2017.

Jim graduated from Central High School in Superior. He completed an apprenticeship and worked 6 years at the Midland Cooperative Printing Plant before spending 31 years with the Duluth News Tribune as a composer. He was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, and the Richard I. Bong American Legion, where he served with the Honor Guard.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing on the Brule, blueberry picking, and downhill skiing. He loved to spend time at the cabin, which he built in 1959.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Survivors include his daughters, Diana (Bob) Phetteplace of Pine City, MN, JoAnne (Mark) VanPoucke of Superior, and Mary Anne (Kerry) Sorensen of Barnes, WI; grandchildren, Justin, Benjamin, Gina, Anna, Laina, Brian, and Kelly; great grandchildren, Parker, Maddie, Olive, Iris, Eilee, Nixen, Emma, Lucas, Breanna, Harlow, Lula, and Etta; great great grandchildren, Axel and Amelia; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12th from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. service at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N 34th St., with Gary Banker as officiant.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435. A luncheon will follow honors.

A private family burial will be on Monday, October 14th in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.

Pallbearers will be Bob, Mark, Kerry, Justin, Benjamin, Andy, Kevin and Parker.

If desired, memorials in Jim's name may be made to the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435.