Preston John Mertens

Preston John Mertens, age 20 of Markesan, left this world unexpectedly on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Preston was born on November 7, 2005, in Berlin, Wisconsin, son of Joseph Mertens and Amanda Trakel. He attended the Markesan School District while growing up and graduated from North Fond du Lac High School in 2024. Preston worked in the Union at Soper Companies in Oshkosh and Engel Excavating, where he applied his strong work ethic and dedication.

Preston had many hobbies and interests that filled his life with joy. He loved tinkering and adding things to his Dodge trucks. Getting his hands dirty and fixing anything he could was truly a big part of who he was. His enthusiasm for farming was evident as he proudly paraded around on his John Deere 60 Tractor. Hunting and fishing were also activities he enjoyed, and he was particularly looking forward to ice fishing this year.

He was a young man full of life, known for his caring and giving nature. Preston would go out of his way to help others, and his kind spirit touched many lives.

Preston is lovingly survived by his mother, Amanda (Darlene) Lindsey, and his father, Joe Mertens. He is also survived by his sister, Meah Mertens, and his brother, Braden Mertens. His family extends to his maternal grandparents, Donna (William) Silgman, and his paternal grandparents, Cindy (Todd) Strook, grandfather, Jeffry Mertens and maternal grandmother Kathy Nolen. He will also be missed by his paternal great-grandmother, Ruth Borgardt, and paternal great-grandfather, Donald Mertens, along with aunts Becki (Aaron) Guard and Reese Mertens, uncles Jeffry (Elizabeth) Mertens, Clint (Shawna) Mertens, Casey (Rebecca) Wiersma, Brett (Amanda) Wiersma, cousins, and his girlfriend, Kaylei Urban, other relatives and many friends.

Preston was preceded in death by his cousin Dakota Mertens, his paternal great-grandmother Lola Mertens, and paternal great-grandfather John Borgardt. He is also mourned by his maternal grandfathers, Steven Wiersma and great grandfather, Donald Trakel, as well as his maternal great-grandmother, Beverly Czoschke.

As we remember Preston, we celebrate a life taken too soon, one that was filled with dreams, passions, and a love for those around him. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Visitation for Preston will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Markesan Community Funeral Home 868 North Margaret Street, Markesan, WI.