David Jay Merten

David Jay Merten, 74, Rockford, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024. He was born on November 8, 1949, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Robert and Mary Ann (Petersen) Merten. David married his loving wife, Sandra Huffstutter on August 9, 1981, in Palos Park. David enlisted in the Marine Corps immediately after graduating from high school, serving from 1968 to 1972 and achieving the rank of Sergeant. He later obtained his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois, retiring at age 67. David was a long-time member and Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a deep love of motorcycles and was a proud member of the Marine Vets Motorcycle Club, the American Legion Post 332 and its Legion Riders in Rockton, as well as the Harley Owners Group. David had a deep passion for trains and enjoyed spending his time building models and working on HO scale model trains. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandee; his sons, Brian (Stephanie) Merten of South Beloit, and Jason (Sarah) Merten of Yorktown, VA; his daughter, Melissa Thabet; his grandchildren, Nicholas Bollacker, Autumn Merten, and Logan Merten. He is predeceased by his sons, Michael and David Merten Jr; his brother, Timothy Merten. Special thanks to the doctors and staff at Serenity Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

There are no services planned at this time. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.