Ed 'Mr. Spokane Valley' was born in Spokane Valley and was the 6 ^th of 11 children born to John and Rose Mertens. He attended Trent Elementary School and was a graduate of Gonzaga Prep High School in 1947.

Always a hard worker, he was an entrepreneur at an early age. He managed the former Trent Drive-In Theater and while delivering newspapers, he met the love of his life Vi (Viola) Windecker. They dated during high school and married on January 31, 1950. Ed and Vi went on to have 8 children bringing them up in a home Ed built in the Spokane Valley in 1958. They were married 59 years.

Ed worked at Sears and Roebuck as manager of the Plumbing/Heating Dept.  He began his own busines with a partner in 1966 – A&M Quality Heating. A&M grew to become a very successful business. He retired in 1995. His honest, trustworthy, dedicated, and friendly personality was respected by many customers and other business associates over the years.

Ed was a devote Catholic and member of St John Vianney parish for over 50 years, he loved singing in the church choir. He was a Knights of Columbus 'Brother' for over 70 years and served as Washington State Deputy in 1992-1993. During his life, he was a member of the Sierra Club, Elk and Moose Lodges.

Ed respectfully supported his community by donating over 15 gallons of blood to local blood banks. He also coached little league baseball and was a Boy Scout Leader for over 20 years.

Ed had a natural talent for music; he had a beautiful singing voice and was self-taught playing the piano, organ, guitar and ukulele.  He enjoyed sports and was an active boater, golfer and bowler for most of his adult life. And lastly, he loved more than anything, traveling throughout the world with his wife Vi.

After his retirement, Ed achieved his greatest accomplishment when he spearheaded the drive to incorporate Spokane Valley. It was passed on May 21, 2002. Ed became known as 'Mr. Spokane Valley' due to his enormous efforts and contributions.

Ed is proceeded in death by his beloved wife Vi, his beloved son Edward Paul Mertens and his beloved grandson Justin Scarpelli. He is survived by his children: Ghaile Windeck (Paul), daughter-in-law Mary Jo, Susan Akimoto (Robert), Sheri Staudinger (Tom), Dave Mertens (Debbie), Tim Mertens (Lisa), Pete Mertens (Trish) and Annie Redd (Phil). Ed has been blessed with numerous grandchildren: Laura, Ellicia, Erik, Thomas, Ashley, Trevor, Titus, Casey, Amanda, Tia, Nick, Dylan, Brandon, Kenzi, Maddy, Nikki and 11 great-grandchildren with more to come. Ed is also survived by his brother Richard (Dick) Mertens and his sister Joanne Boyer.

Ed Mertens lived a long and accomplished life. With humble beginnings during the Great Depression years and after WWII, he started a family, career and 'legend' that would touch many people and many lives. His good heart, wisdom, great laugh, and beautiful singing voice will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Rest in peace – we love you Dad more than you will ever know.