Kenneth "Pooh" B. Mertes, 81, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away Thursday, January 19, 2017 in his home. He was born January 10, 1936 in Two Harbors, MN to Kenneth and Borghild (Valtinson) Mertes. Kenneth graduated from Proctor High School in Proctor, MN and attended college. He married Donna Thieschafer in May of 1979. Ken was a member of the Community Bible Chapel in Cohasset, MN. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, bird watching and his flowers. Kenneth worked in promotional sales and several years in radio and was known for his radio ads for Reed Drug for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Warren Mertes; and a sister, Janet Foster. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Donna Mertes of Grand Rapids, MN; children, Kenneth (Sue) Mertes of Onalaska, WI, Lisa (Scott) Nemetz of Lindstrom, MN, Aaron Mertes of Grand Rapids, MN, Dan (Apryl) Mertes of Grand Rapids, MN; brothers, Bruce (Gerry) Mertes, Richard (Betty) Mertes, Brian (Roxanne) Mertes and Tom Mertes all of Cohasset, MN; sister, Judy (Mel) Weisenberger of Bock, MN; 10 grandchildren, Rebecca and Rachel Mertes, Isaac and Hannah Sobczak, Elijah and Kaijah Nemetz, Colton, Briggham, Veddia, and Brayvik Mertes; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.