Betty Mergen

Betty Lou Mergen, age 83, of Bloomington, passed away very unexpectedly on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at the Gunderson Health Center in Lacrosse. She was born on September 2, 1931, the fifth daughter of Sidney and Lena (Adrian) Myers. Betty attended the Flat Rock Grade School near the family farm in rural Cassville. After graduating Cassville High school, she pursued a teaching degree at University of Wisconsin - Platteville. During that time, she met Herbert Mergen who she married on October 24, 1953. After raising her family, Betty bravely returned to college at the age of 50 and completed her teaching degree. She loved working with children, readily sharing her special gifts with students and her peers, making an indelible mark on the River Ridge School District during her 20 years of employment there. Her passion for teaching was surpassed only by her love for her children and grandchildren. In her retirement she became an honorary assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. Betty loved life and lived her faith, freely participating in church groups and activities at both St. John's Parish in Patch Grove and at St. Mary's in Bloomington.

Betty is survived by her husband, Herbert and their children: Curt (Sandi) Mergen; Lancaster; Melanie (Tim) Novak, Jefferson; Randy (Patti) Mergen, Deerfield; Richard Mergen, St. Louis, MO; Chris Mergen, Mount Horeb. She will be dearly missed by her seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters: Lenice in infancy, Geraldine (Robert) Klauer, Inez (Walter) Joyce, and Lois (Arnold) Byrne.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, June 1, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father John Meinholz officiating. Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bloomington. Family and friends called on Sunday, May 31, 2015, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bloomington from 3:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. where a 3:15 Catholic Daughters Rosary was prayed. Friends also called on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Betty L. Mergen Memorial Fund has been established. Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bloomington is assisting the family.