Joseph Ervin Merten, 82, of Hart, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids. Joe received exceptional care at Butterworth and was able to pass peacefully surrounded by loving members of his family.

Joseph E. Merten was born August 29, 1935, in Hart, the son of Herbert and Frances (Estepp) Merten.  Joseph graduated from Hart High School in 1953 and then attended Kirtland Community College in Cadillac.  Joseph retired as the Oceana County Register of Deeds after 16 years and in 2000, he received the award as Register of Deeds of the Year for the State of Michigan.  Prior to that career, Joe was the Oceana County Magistrate for 16 years.  Joe served on the Oceana County Board of Commissioners for 6 years, as well as working at Howmet and with his wife Mary Ann, owned the "Rooms at the Inn" Bed & Breakfast on State Street for 14 years.  Joseph was very active in the Hart community including working as coordinator, as well as an EMT, of the Oceana County Ambulance Service for many years; helping form and serving as president of the Hart Historic District; serving on the Hart City Planning Commission; being a charter member of the Hart Lions Club (receiving the first ever "Lion of the Year" award); volunteering as a Jaycee; and serving as the Oceana County Republican Party Chairman.

Joseph enjoyed and studied local Oceana County History, and was an active member of the Oceana County Historical and Genealogy Society.  The Hart Historic District has a display area dedicated to the model tractor and farm implement collection Joe donated several years ago to enhance the permanent exhibits.  Joseph was also an active of member of St. Gregory's Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, lector, religious education teacher and member of the building committee.

In his spare time, Joseph enjoyed watching Fox News, listening to Rush Limbaugh, and keeping up with the local "news" at the coffee shop.  Most of all, Joseph loved spending time with his family.

On February 11, 1956, at St. Joseph Weare Catholic Church, Joseph married Mary Ann Kokx, who survives him.  "Poppa Joe" is also survived by 7 children, William (Kim) Merten of Hart, John (Norma Vasquez) Merten of Hart, Richard (Karen) Merten of Hart, Joseph R. (Margarita) Merten of Rothbury, Katrina (Mark) Pehrson of Hart, Mary Jo (Robert) Schaner of Hart and Paul (Noelle) Merten of Hart; his daughter-in-law, Jannine Merten of Centreville; 2 brothers, Gordon (Janice) Merten of Hart and James (Linda) Merten of Hart; 3 sisters, Helen Graczyk of Ludington, Ann (Jerry) Heydenberk of Pentwater, and Ida (Dennis) DeVinney of South Haven; his sister-in-law, Ardith Merten of Hart; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Joseph was preceded in death by: his parents; his son, Daniel James Merten in 2016; and his brother, Herbert Merten.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 PM, Thursday, July 26, 2018, at St. Gregory's Catholic Church, in Hart, with Father Tom Bolster presiding.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until time of Mass at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hart Lions Club Scholarship Fund.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com