James J. Merten, 89, of Kenosha, WI, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2015, at Hospitality Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Burlington, WI, on February 4, 1926, he was the son of the late Edgar J. and Elizabeth (Luke) Merten. He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High school of Burlington. James proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII, spending time at Kwajalein Atoll, and working on atomic bomb tests in Bikini Atoll. During his time in the service he earned his certification in Specialty Radio Repair. On May 28, 1949, he married his wife Arlene Heinz at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kenosha. James was employed as a heavy-duty auto mechanic with AMC/Chrysler in Kenosha, WI for 39 ½ years, and served as the Chief Union Steward of department 838 for a few years. He was an active member of UAW Local 72. Throughout this time he furthered his education in radio technologies and in 1954 earned his diploma in Radio, Television, and Allied Electronics. He completed additional classes at Kenosha Technical Institute. James also started a side business, Merten’s T.V and Radio Repair. James was a lifelong member of the VFW Junkers Ball, Post 1865. He was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years. James enjoyed reading, watching business and news programs, repairing cars, gardening, hunting, and camping and traveling throughout the United States. He is survived by his wife, Arlene Merten of Kenosha; five children, Faye Lubniewski, (Gerald Patterson, fiancée) of West Allis, Lynn (Larry) Nolen of San Diego, CA, Joy (Richard) Trapp of Racine, Mark J. (Melissa) Merten of Bakersfield, CA, and Michael J. Merten of Hollywood CA; eight grandchildren, Ben Nolen, Anne Lubniewski, (Jonathan McCray), Andrea (Nolen) (R.J.) Richardson, Craig Nolen, Tyler Trapp, Michelle Merten, Joy Trapp and Mark Merten; and three great-grandchildren, Serena Lubniewski Estrada, and twins, Jared and Aria McCray; siblings, Sister, Mary Joyce Merten, SSND of Burlington, Betty Gaiser of Bedford, IN, and Joyce Clason of LaCrosse; and by sisters-in-law, Kathy Merten of Hot Springs, AR., Carol Merten of Burlington and Loretta Merten of Fennimore. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Paul, Geraldine, John, Roger and Edgar F.; and by brothers-in-law, Ralph Clason and Gary Gaiser. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17th, at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Prayers will be held on Saturday, April 18th, at the funeral home at 10:45 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mark’s Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery with military honors.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit James’ Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com