It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Christine Marie Merten who was called home to Heaven on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the age of 81. Christine was born on July 7, 1945, in Blue Island, Illinois, to the late Edward and Marie Redden. Moving with her family to Wisconsin soon afterwards, she attended and graduated from Holy Name Grade School and St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Burlington, Wisconsin.

Christine was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Merten on October 14, 1967. Together, they shared 59 years of marriage, three children, nine grandchildren, four pets, and many cherished friendships, creating countless memories of laughter and love.

Christine began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working for several years in both Kenosha and Racine before and while raising three children and living the life of a firefighter’s wife. In later years, both she and Bob were members of the Moose Club, and she much enjoyed being a “Woman of the Moose.”

Always enjoying good people, good fun, and good adventures, Christine found joy in spending time with her family, playing golf, winning at Euchre, and making over 15 years of memories in Long Beach, Mississippi. Endlessly proud of her family, she never missed an opportunity to let everyone know how very blessed she was to be at the heart of her family with Bob. Her Catholic faith was central in her life, and she devoutly practiced it her entire life.

Christine is survived by her beloved husband, Bob; her daughters, Julie (Thomas “Trey” R. Hester III) and Amy (Brian) Ruddy; daughter-in-law, Molly Merten; her grandchildren, Alena Hester, Olivia Hester, Hannah Ruddy, Samuel Ruddy, Audrey Ruddy, Elizabeth Merten, Anna Merten, Danielle Merten, and Joseph Merten. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Christine was preceded in death by her beloved son, Michael Merten, on September 3, 2009 and her sister, Mary Lou Kretschmer and her brother-in-law, Richard Merten.