If you ever met Edward Paul Mertens, 64, of Kennewick, you would immediately know two things: he loved God, and he loved his family. Although he died suddenly from a short illness on March 18, 2017, we know he still does. He regularly told his wife and children, “I love you - FOREVER.” 

Ed was born in Spokane, WA on March 22, 1952 to Viola and Edward J. Mertens. He attended St. John Vianney School, Gonzaga Prep, and graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management and Engineering. Ed was the second of eight children, growing up with bicycle adventures and sporting events in Spokane Valley. He met the love of his life, Mary Jo, on January 26, 1968 at precisely 10 p.m. at a school dance. They were 15 years old.

On July 22, 1972, Ed and Mary Jo were married at St. Charles Parish in Spokane. Every Friday, Ed would bring home a rose for his wife. They joined the Spokane Mountaineers, and in 1978 he climbed Mt. Hood. In 1979, Ed’s beloved daughter, Ellicia, was born in Edmonds, WA. At that moment, his most important job in the world became that of father and was only amplified when his best buddy, Erik, was born in 1982 in Livermore, CA. Ed’s love for the outdoors extended to his family as he often organized skiing and camping trips. He had a special connection with wolves and their independent spirits, which he shared with his Grandpa Windecker.

Ed’s unmatched work ethic was motivated by his driving desire to support his family and excel in his craft. Throughout his career, he felt most alive giving presentations and teaching others, especially traveling the country presenting on Virtual Reality with his dear friend, Sam Rod. They were even invited to give a demonstration to the U.S. Secretary of Energy. Fittingly, he was especially proud of his latest job, working for the Department of Energy. Ed was always excited to learn about new technology, being inspired as a boy by the forward thinking of Star Trek. Such innovations would be declared “kuuL,” a word he copyrighted in 2008.

Ed had an incredible heart. There was a special place in it for people on the margins and with special needs. He was also very proud to be a brother to all his siblings. In later years, he became the secret gift-giver at Tri-City Dust Devils baseball games, anonymously surprising children with souvenirs every chance he got. 

Edward Paul Mertens was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Viola, and his loving grandparents. He is survived by his cherished family: wife Mary Jo, daughter Ellicia, son Erik, son-in-law Geoff Elliott, grandson Malcolm, father Edward Joseph Mertens, siblings – Ghaile Windeck, Susan Akimoto, Sheri Staudinger, Dave Mertens, Tim Mertens, Peter Mertens, and Annie Redd – and loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Ed was a faith-filled, faithful, loving, and committed Husband, Dad, and “Papa Dude.” It is impossible to explain just how much he will be missed. Yet, everyone who ever met him knows that his love for God and family will last – FOREVER.

A vigil and reception will be offered for Ed on Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m. at Events at Sunset (915 Bypass Highway, Richland, WA  99352).  His funeral mass (with reception) will be Saturday, April 1 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church (520 S. Garfield St., Kennewick, WA  99336).  In lieu of flowers and to honor Ed’s memory, his family is asking for random acts of kindness in your community or a donation to a charity of your choice.