Ambrose G. Mergen

Ambrose G. Mergen, age 77, of Bloomington, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at  Grant  Regional  Health  Center in  Lancaster. He was born on March 24, 1934, in  Bloomington, the son of Mike and Lena (Moris) Mergen. Ambrose attended St. Marys  Catholic  School and  Bloomington  High School. On June 7, 1954, he was united in marriage to Barbara Barr at St. Marys Catholic Church in  Bloomington. Ambrose farmed all of his life and operated a trucking business for a short time. Ambrose enjoyed cooking and baking, especially his prize winning pies. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, attending cattle shows, going to Mas Bakery, and following his grandchildrens sporting events. Ambrose was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church in  Bloomington, the Holy Name Society, the Blakes Prairie Fair Board and supported the FFA and 4-H programs.

Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara Mergen, Bloomington; their six children: Susan (Robert) Bernhardt, Cassville; Steve (friend Julie Mumm) Mergen, Glen Haven; Terry (Jean) Mergen, Bloomington; Christine (Edward) Laufenberg, Mt. Hope; Tamie (Tom) Hoffman, Bloomington; Pam (Charles) Frank, Hazel Green; fifteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way; his sister and brothers: Herbert (Betty) Mergen, Bloomington; Joe (Verna) Mergen, Cassville; Bernadette (Robert) Parkins, Bloomington; Michael (Janet) Mergen, Platteville; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Ambrose was preceded in death by an infant son, a brother, John William, a sister, Rosemary Elskamp, father-in-law, Frank Barr and mother-in-law, Elva (Noble) Barr.

Funeral services were held on  Friday, November 4, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father John Meinholz officiating. Burial was in St. Marys Cemetery, Bloomington. Family and friends called on  Thursday, November 3, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. where a 3:45 p.m. rosary will be held at St. Marys Catholic Church. Friends also called on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Funeral Home in  Bloomington is assisting the family.