Hugo Mertens, 89
Hugo Mertens, 89, of Valley Springs, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026, surrounded by his family at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon. Visitation with the family present will take place from 2-4 p.m., with a Liturgical Wake Service followed by Rosary starting at 3:30 p.m., on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home-Brandon Valley Chapel in Brandon. Burial will take place at the South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon in Hugo’s name.
Hugo Joseph Mertens, Jr., was born Dec. 18, 1936 in Perham, Minn., to Hugo Joseph Mertens, Sr. and Alice Kugler Mertens.
Hugo's childhood was spent working alongside his father and his 14 siblings on their family farm where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of family. He met the love of his life, Carol Jean (Fleisher) Mertens in 1962. They married on Oct. 24, 1964, in White Earth, Minn., and built a beautiful life with seven children: Monte, Maureena, Marla, Maria, Marty, Mindy, and Micheal.
Hugo believed in hard work and took pride in everything he did. He proudly served for two years in the United States Air Force at the age of 17. He then spent his career as a Superintendent at Willow Run Golf Course from where he retired in 2016. He also worked on his own dairy farm, where he instilled the same values of hard work in his children. Often referred to as “the farm” on Old Highway 16, Hugo built a home full of love where many gathered to enjoy food, laughter, and a good game of cards on the weekends.
One of Hugo’s biggest passions was music. For 20 years, he sang and played guitar in his band, The Model T Cowboys, alongside Gus Anderson, Gary Huska, and Bob Pollock. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, gardening, tinkering, and tending to his birds.
Hugo’s faith was at the center of his marriage, family, and life. He and Carol were both members of Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon.
Hugo was preceded in death by his son, Marty John Mertens; and many other family members.
Hugo will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His sense of humor and love will continue to live on in all of the memories shared by his wife, children, 20 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by all who loved and knew him.
For online condolences, visit georgeboom.com.
