Mr. Herbert Frank Merten, Jr., age 80, of Shelby, passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at home. He was born November 27, 1936, in Hart to Herbert and Frances (Estepp) Merten, Sr. Herb graduated from Hart High School and served in the United States Army. He married Ardith R. Corliss on July 11, 1959. He was a timber broker and consultant, employed by Texas Refinery Corp. and formerly a dairy farmer in Hart Township. Herb had several loves in his lifetime. First was the love for his wife Ardith, they were married for fifty-eight years and Ardith said that Herb never gave her one slightest moment to doubt his love. Ardith and their family of seven children were the most important gifts from God that Herb enjoyed. The children remember working by their Dad's side in the barn, in the fields, and on the job; always welcome wherever he was. Herb was always proud of his children and the adults they became. Mingled with this love of family was Herb's steadfast faith in God. Raised in the Catholic faith, he has always given God the credit for each sunrise, for the crops he raised, and for the friends he has enjoyed. The second love Herb had was his love for nature and for trees. He prided himself on being able to name most all the trees in Michigan and never tired of learning more about them. He was acquainted with timber buyers across Michigan and also the saw mills. He enjoyed learning about and seeing the products made from trees and recognized the art contained in the forming of many wooden items. Running a tie for second place was his love for the farm life. For many years he milked cows and never tired of the chores. He was so proud of each of his children who continued his love of animals and their care. To be able to sit on a tractor and turn the soil in the fields was of the greatest enjoyment to him. To see the crops that he planted grow to maturity and the bulk tank to fill with milk was his reward. In his later years, it seems that horses and chickens were his special interest at the barn. Even though Ardith chided him about the cost of feed and the care of the animals when his health made it hard for him, he still took great pride in each colt born and each egg he could bring into the house or give to friends. Herb's next love had to be the Grange. The Grange was an important major part of his life since he and Ardith joined in 1962. Herb belonged to Junior Grange as a child with his brothers and sisters, and then continued this membership with his wife and children. He served as Master/President for many years, also held county and State offices. Herb took great pride in his ability to 'sell' the Grange to his acquaintances. You could always see him out selling tickets on a quilt, raising money for the Grange, or just inviting you to come and join. His accomplishments in these endeavors gave him great pride. He attended State and National conventions for many years and held all seven Degrees in the Grange. He made friends with Grangers across this great nation. His favorite gift to visiting National and even State Grange Representatives was one of his favorite barnyard rocks. They were always received with gratitude for the thought and enjoyment in his enthusiasm. Herb enjoyed his twenty-three grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. Family gatherings and outing with the grandchildren and great grandchildren were high on Herb's list of favorite things to do. He and Ardith were members of the West Michigan Boot Scooters and Melody Mates dance groups.

Herbert is survived by his wife, Ardith Merten , four daughters, Patty (Tim) Kersjes of Shelby, Janet Swanson of Shelby, Ann (Jerry) Herrygers of Hart, Susan (Mark) Mussell of Shelby; three sons, Thomas (Jill) Merten of Hart, Herbert (Gail) Merten of Hart, Fred A. (Sarah) Merten of Hart; twenty-three grandchildren, Heidi Hilton, Mandi (Chris) Purcey, Emily Merten, Lindsey Merten, Ethan (Susan) Merten, Whitney (Zach) Hintz, Abby (David) Calderhead, Jessie (Quinn) Rycenga, Steven Kersjes, Karen Kersjes, Shelby Kersjes, Kurt Kersjes, Joseph Kersjes, Devin Mussell, Olivia Mussell, Victoria Mussell, Benjamin Merten, Adison Merten, Chris Swanson, Anna Swanson, Ellie (Denis) Koegel, Katelynn Herrygers, Kaylee Herrygers; nine great grandchildren, Lucas & Kila Hilton, Cruz Purcey, Mackenzie & Jace Rycenga, Eleanor Calderhead, Jack & Juliet Koegel, Miranda Barefoot; three sisters, Helen Graczyk of Ludington, Idy (Dennis) DeVinney of South Haven, Ann (Gerald) Heydenberk of Pentwater; three brothers, Joseph (Mary Ann) Merten, Gordon (Janice) Merten, Jim (Linda) Merten all of Hart; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son in law, Theodore Swanson, niece, Mende DeVinney, and nephew, Dan Merten.

The Mass of the Resurrection for Herb will be offered Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Shelby with Father Phillip Sliwinski celebrant and co-celebrant Father Thomas Bolster. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Tuesday and Monday, June 26, 2017 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm with the rosary being prayed at 7:00 pm at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Interment will be in Oceana Center Cemetery. The family requests that any memorials be directed to Oceana Center Grange Foundation or the Merten Family.  Herb will be remembered for his companionship, his common sense, and his love.