Michael Lee Mike Mertens was born on October 6,1958, in Superior, Nebraska to Charles and Dolores (Gilsdorf) Mertens. After a full life and a courageous battle with cancer he passed away on July 10, 2026, at his home in Superior, Nebraska. He was 67 years, 9 months and 4 days old. Mike loved working with his hands. After graduating from Superior High School in 1976, he worked as an installer and fabricator/line welder at T-L Irrigation Company in Hastings, Nebraska. He then moved to Columbus, Nebraska to work as a drywall assistant at Mueller & Schoepf Drywall, Inc. Mike also traveled across the Midwest building ethanol plants with Fagon, Inc. In recent years, even while undergoing cancer treatment, he enjoyed custom harvesting, farming and working cattle at Brown Harvesting. A true mountain man at heart. Mike had a passion for reenacting the old trader days of the 1800's. He spent many weekends in his buckskins; primitive camping and shooting his black powder muzzleloader. These activities allowed him to connect with others who shared his appreciation for history and craftsmanship. He also enjoyed fishing and watching old westerns. Mike loved his family. He is survived by his stepmother Sandy (Sawicki) Mertens; brothers Jim Mertens and Bob Mertens (Lisa); sisters Rosanne Price (Steve), Cindy Jennett (Don), Charleen Mertens (Clint Bostock), Joyce Oeltjen, Shelly Mertens, and Theresa Moore (Jon). He also leaves behind a legacy of love through his 20 nieces and nephews and 22 great-nieces and great-nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Rose and Clarence Gilsdorf; and grandparents Henry and Theresa Mertens. Mike lived by strong personal values that guided him throughout his life. He respected and honored his family deeply, leaving behind cherished memories for those who knew him. One of those memories will always be his signature look; a good fitting pair of blue jeans, a black short sleeve t-shirt and practical work boots. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 25, 2026, starting at 11:00 a.m at the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) 118 S. Central Ave. Superior, Nebraska. A memorial to honor Mike will be set up at a later date.