Dr. Theodore Joseph Mertens, DVM, 72, of Brodhead, WI passed away on July 21, 2022, in the Cloud Peak Wilderness in Buffalo, Wy. TJ was born Easter Sunday morning, April 9th, to Clement T and Ida Mae (Stockman) Mertens. He was proud to have been raised on a dairy farm in California, Missouri.  TJ graduated from veterinary school at the University of Missouri in 1974.  He married Barbara (Helland) Mertens July 9th, 1977.  He worked and was an owner at the Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center from 1974 until retiring in 2016. He was active in the Brodhead Jaycees and Lions Club for many years. TJ enjoyed drinking coffee and one of his prized possessions was a Mobil coffee mug that provided him with free refills for multiple decades. When trail riding with family and friends he was renowned for his camp meals. He took great pride in owning Missouri Foxtrotter horses and mules.  TJ had ridden his personal horse in 46 states.

TJ was preceded in death by his parents, Clement and Ida and his brother-in-law Andy Gerke. He is survived by his wife Barbara; son, Dr. Jason (Keri); grandsons, Quentin, Eli and Oliver; brother, Dave (Carolyn); sisters, Bev (Dale) Riley and Karen Gerke and several nieces and nephews.

Please join us on Monday, August 8th at St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Monroe, WI.  There will be a funeral Mass at 10:30 am in the church and a celebration of life luncheon from 12-3 pm in the St. Victor School gymnasium across the street.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sully Fund, providing veterinary care for animals in need at Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center or Johnson County Search & Rescue, 614 W. Fetterman, Buffalo, WY 82834, to support the many people who hiked in to help TJ.  The DL Newcomer Funeral Home is assisting the family locally with arrangements