Kathleen D. Mertens

Kathleen D. Mertens, 76, of Fond du Lac, died Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Frontida Liberty House in Fond du Lac. She was born October 26, 1948 in Fond du Lac, the daughter of George “Bud” and Lois (Grube) Sullivan. Kathie graduated from Goodrich High School Class of 1966. She worked at Kohl’s Grocery Store and was the first female manager in Wisconsin until buying Sully’s Tavern in 1996. She owned and operated Sully’s until retiring in 2021. Kathie was a member of the Wisconsin Tavern League.

Kathie was known for having the best burgers in town and her famous corned beef and cabbage served on the 17th of every month. She would serve 800 lbs of corned beef every St. Patrick’s Day. She was very generous and adopted many families in need over the holiday season. At Christmas she would dress as Mrs. Claus and take gifts to area nursing homes. She enjoyed traveling with Karl, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and loved her dogs.

 She is survived by her life partner, Karl Ewerdt; four children, Kelly Wink, Keri (Travis) Lambrecht, Kory (Katie) Knueppel, and Travis (Jessica) Mertens; grandchildren, Ryan Dorn, Madeleine (Matt Siegel) Trtan, Ava (Noah Harmsen) Wink, Alex (Tania) Olig, Taylor (Nick Bartels) Olig, Bailey (Nick) Casper, Connor (Tianna Schneider) Knueppel, Kendra Knueppel, Aidric (Samantha) Mertens, Oceonna Mertens, and Marix Mertens; great granddaughters, Isla and Elsie Olig; her siblings, Robert Sullivan, Richard (Loretta) Sullivan, Krystine Castrodale, Daniel Sullivan, and Dennis Sullivan; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Joy Erickson.

The visitation will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 2:00 – 5:30 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at 5:30 PM on Saturday at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Frontida Liberty House for the amazing care they gave to Kathie and to Karl Ewerdt for being by her side daily for the duration of her illness.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com