Theresa “JoAnn” Mertens, 81

JoAnn Mertens, 81, of Brandon, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital.

A Celebration of Life with family present will be 2-4 p.m., Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a Prayer Service and the Rosary Service beginning at 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, May 1, 2023, at Risen Savior Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St Michael’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls. A live stream link will be provided at heartlandfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Risen Savior Catholic Church in her honor. 

JoAnn was grateful for sharing her life with her five children, Kim (Betsy) Mertens, Lennox, S.D., Sharon (Matt) Wirth, Viborg, S.D., Lisa (Joe) Hjermstad, Brandon, Tammy (Sandy) Mertens-Jones, Sioux Falls, and Steven (Camille) Mertens, Springfield, S.D.; two bonus kids, Emily Hanson, Sisseton, S.D., and Phillip Mertens, Veblen, S.D.; 22 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one brother, William “Bill” Kunkel, Omaha, Neb.; and a lifelong friend, Shirley Larrington, Rapid City, S.D.; as well as many other friends and relatives.  

For online condolences, visit heartlandfunerals.com