Merton “Mert” Albert, of Clintonville, passed away Friday, February 19, 2016.
A loving and caring husband, dad, and grandpa, he completed the journey through life one day after his 91st birthday at ThedaCare Medical Center, Shawano, due to prostate cancer and heart and lung problems.
Merton Richard Albert was born on Feb. 18, 1925 to Lester and Esther (Marek) Albert in Baraboo, WI; and his family settled in Clintonville when he was two years old. Mert graduated from Clintonville High School in 1942 and entered the U.S. Navy during WWII. He proudly served aboard a submarine from 1943 to 1946. After the military, he was employed for some time at Cook Electric Co. in Chicago and later at Sentinel Radio Corp. in Evanston, IL. In 1950 Mert returned to Clintonville and began a partnership with his father in a TV and Appliance Store. He was united in marriage on June 25, 1955 to Verna M. Kraut at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, Clintonville. For 37 years, Mert’s career at Clintonville Electric Service became his passion until his retirement in 1987. Mert was a longtime member at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church and the American Legion Post #63. He was an avid Packer fan and held season tickets for many years. Mert also enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing the piano by ear, bowling on different leagues, going fishing, pitching horseshoes, curling locally, and working on projects in his basement shop. Well into retirement he tried the game of golf and instantly developed golf fever. For quite a few years, the couple always “wintered” in Sarasota, FL. Also, for many years he was a member of the 10 AM daily coffee group and always had a joke to share. He especially loved chocolate of all kinds and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Verna, and two children, Cathy (Scott) Beckstrom of Gurnee, IL, and Dan (Virginia) Albert of Cordova, TN. There are three grandchildren, Lindsay Beckstrom, Crystal Albert, and Brandon Albert. There is one sister, Jean Counard of Green Bay, and one sister-in-law, Ione Garcia of Florida. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends. Mert is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers-in-law, Bob Counard, Ervin Kraut, and Marvin Kraut; and a sister-in-law, Ella Kraut.
Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 23rd at 12:00 noon at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, Clintonville. Rev. Christian Burg will officiate and inurnment will be at a later date at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville. Military Honors will be provided at church by members of the VFW Post 664, American Legion Post 63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63, all of Clintonville. Friends may call on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. The Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent via www.beil-didier.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial should be made to a church or school fund of your choice at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church.