David P. Mertes

David P. Mertes, age 88, of Winona, Minnesota passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Judy Mertes, as well as many extended family members and friends.

Dave was an educator, athlete, accountant, volunteer, and leader, a potent combination that touched countless lives. A graduate of both Winona High and Winona State University, he was a four -year letterman in college as center, honored for both his work on the field as an All-American, as well as for his academic achievements off the field. His experience playing football, baseball, and basketball, as well as his positive attitude and incredible work ethic, served him well as assistant coach at Winona Senior High
School, and broadcaster for both WSHS and WSU football games on KWNO. He his honored in the WSHS, WSU, and Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Halls of Fame.

Dave brought the lessons he learned, his positive attitude, and his work ethic everywhere he went. He was a business education teacher for 35 years at WSHS, many as the chair of the department. He actively practiced accounting throughout his life, including retirement, for numerous businesses in the Winona area. This allowed him to pass on first-hand experience to his students (and his extended family, too). He was also an early leader with technology, seeing how it would shape businesses, and helping to prepare
students for the future, not just the present.

Throughout his life he was a deeply integral part of his extended family. He always took time to be involved with his relatives and friends, whether they were two or ninety years old, focusing on each of them with great intention. He believed in community and constantly sought ways to give back. He was a volunteer with and for numerous community organizations, especially WSU, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and Saint Anne’s Hospice, from direct work to service as a board member and advisor. He has been
honored, reluctantly, a number of times by these organizations as a cherished volunteer. That reluctance speaks to his humility, such that this obituary itself would likely be rebuffed by him. That was part of his magic, though, part of the package that was David Mertes, that so many who knew him enjoyed, and those closest to him loved. He will be missed, greatly.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral Mass on Thursday, March 13, 2025 with a visitation beginning at 1:30 PM at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and Mass at 2:30 PM. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Winona.

In lieu of flowers, Dave’s wishes were for contributions to Benedictine of Winona (formerly Saint Anne’s) and/or Winona Family YMCA.

Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home & Crematory, Winona, MN. Online condolences can
be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.