June Sophie Mertes, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 24, 2022 just a few weeks short of her 95th birthday. She was born in Duluth on June 25, 1927, to Herman and Sophie Peterson.

She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1944. She married Robert Mertes on Jan 1, 1949 and together they raised three sons: David, Russell, and Robin. June was a homemaker.

June was a longtime member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Duluth Heights. She spent many years as a Sunday School and VBS teacher. She was a captivating bible and story teller. She was a faithful prayer warrior, constantly in prayer and often praying throughout the night.

June loved her family dearly and the time spent with them especially at the cabin on Crystal Lake in Iron River, WI that has been in her family since she was 4 yrs old. She looked forward to picking berries, riding the pontoon, sitting around the campfire, and playing games. June loved and was dearly loved.

June was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; sons, David and Russell; great-granddaughter, Mercy Joan; and siblings, Joyan, Earl, Einer, Ruby and Clifford.

June is survived by her son, Robin (Joan) Mertes; daughter-in-law Lynn Mertes; grandchildren, David (Donna) Mertes, Daniel (Kim) Mertes, Luke (Liesel) Mertes, Melanie (Daniel) Henrickson, Katie (Willie) Hipsher, and Emily (Derek) Storbeck; great-grandchildren, Alec, Nathaniel, Joseph,  Nolan, Ada June, Magnus, Jemima, Josie, Moses, Judah, Joshua, Bree, Bjorn, and Baby Hipsher; sister, Ruth Hallfrisch; along with many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed.

Visitation to be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Mount of Olives Baptist Church, 1500 Swan Lake Rd, with Funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM.