Irene Mertin

1936 ~ 2025

Mrs. Irene Mertin of Medicine Hat, AB. and formerly of Leader, SK., beloved wife of the late Fred Mertin, passed away peacefully at Sunnyside Nursing Home in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, at the age of 88 years.

Left to cherish her memory are four children, 11 Grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren:

Son, Duane (Deb) Mertin of Bowden, AB and their children, Teneille Mertin (Tyler Trew) and children Davis, Julia & Reid. Evan Mertin and son Ezra.

Daughter, Linora MacEwen (Wes) of St. Peter’s Bay, P.E.I. and Linora’s two children, Chance Stimson (Nadine) and their children Hunter & Ryder; April Stimson (Tommy Townsend) and their children, Scarlett & Cooper.  Linora’s three stepchildren, Greg, Rae Anne and Jason Stimson.

Son, Dean Mertin (Jackie) of Leader, SK. and their four children, Vanessa (Les) Beebe and children, Leo and Norah; Dallas Mertin, Chloe Mertin (Matthew Nickel) and Dawson Mertin.

Son, Darren Mertin (Della) of Leader, SK. and their three children, Jenna Merin (Dylan Erfle), Skye Stimson (Chris) and their children, Lennon and Lakely and Cole Mertin.

Irene is survived by two brothers, Dan (Donna) Specht and Allan (Kathy) Specht; three sisters-in-law, Adeline Miller, Violet Bauder and Linda Schlaht as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by parents, Phillip and Annie Specht as well as parents-in-law, Fred and Hertha Mertin.

Irene (nee Specht) was born in Eatonia, SK., on October 29, 1936, and married Frederick E. Mertin ‘Fred’ on June 7, 1957. Together they farmed and ranched in the Leader area. They had an entrepreneurial spirit which really came into play when they built and were the first proprietors of The Big 10-4 Ice Cream Stand in Leader in 1979 and operated it seasonally for about 5 years. In 1983, after selling the ice cream shop, they proceeded to build a restaurant in Burstall that was also known as the 10-4 and resided in Burstall for several years. This was the longest period they lived off the farm. When they sold the restaurant in Bustall, they moved their house back onto the homeplace and resided there until the fall of 2011, when they purchased a condo in the Sandstone area of Medicine Hat. Irene & Fred celebrated 55 years of marriage in June 2012, with Fred’s passing on August 12, 2012.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one hour prior to the service which will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 – 5 Street West in Leader, SK., on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor John-Mark Bredeson officiating. Interment will follow in the Leader Cemetery.

Irene’s service will be live-streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to be a part of her celebration should select the following link at service time.

Irene’s service will be live-streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to be a part of her celebration should select the following link at service time.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrvfm05YuKs

(Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reflections Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455 or toll free: 1-877-528-6455.

• Date : 2025-03-19
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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