Jean A. Mergen
Jean A. Mergen, 63, of Bloomington, passed away on Thursday afternoon, July 14, 2022, at her residence with her family by her side.
She was born on Aug. 28, 1958, in Bellevue, Iowa, the daughter of Lloyd and Carma (Michel) Frank. Jean was united in marriage to Terry Mergen on Sept. 29, 1979, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington. Jean was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked hard to take care of all of us.
Jean was happiest living life on the farm, which included simple things like fresh clothes hung on the line, picking berries, gardening, and the routine of milking the cows daily. Jean loved to cook and spoiled us with homemade meals each day. Her large, beautiful garden was on display for all who drove by their farm. She enjoyed sharing her talents with others and was often found working behind the scenes helping her community. She was an assistant leader of the Blake’s Prairie Bombers 4-H Club for many years and headed the club’s float in the Mt. Hope Dairy Days parade each year, welcoming club members to the farm to help get it ready. She also volunteered at the Blake’s Prairie Fair. Once her grandkids came along, she enjoyed sharing her love for farming, baking, and gardening with them. Jean always worked hard and instilled that work ethic into her family.
Jean had a strong spirit and was a fighter. For the past three years, when cancer reared its ugliness, she met it with strength and courage. In continuing with her giving spirit, Jean was an organ donor.
Jean is survived by her husband of 43 years, Terry of Bloomington; three children, Beth (Curt) Cummins, of Lancaster; Katie Mergen (Brian Webb) of Bloomington, and Adam Mergen (Lori Baker) of Bloomington; two grandchildren, Emily and Ben Cummins; her mother, Carma Frank of Lancaster; and her sister, Annette (Dennis) Knapp of Bloomington; mother-in-law, Barb Mergen, of Bloomington; and brothers- and sisters-in-law; Sue (Rob) Bernhardt of Cassville, Steve Mergen (Julie Mumm) of Glen Haven, Chris (Ed) Laufenberg, of Mt. Hope, Tammie (Tom) Hoffman, of Bloomington, and Pam (Chuck) Frank, of Hazel Green; along with many nieces and nephews.
Jean was preceded in death by her father Lloyd Frank; and father-in-law, Ambrose Mergen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Father Gregory Ihm will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 18, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday morning. A parish rosary will be said at 3:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon prior to visitation at the church. Online condolences may be left at larsonfuneralhomes.com.
