Patricia King Mertes & Frank Mertes

Frank G. Mertes, a Winona native and lifelong resident, knew early on that he was meant to work at J.R. Watkins Company. According to family legend, when Frank was only ten, he took his camera, walked over a mile, photographed the Watkins Administration Building, and said, “Someday, I’m going to work in this building.” Frank did work at Watkins, serving in many capacities stateside and in Australia and Africa. He retired from Watkins as Vice-President.

Patricia King Mertes, the great granddaughter of J.R. Watkins, was adopted by Mariel King, J.R.’s granddaughter, and her husband, Ralph Boalt. Much of Pat’s youth was spent east at Shipley School. Although Pat traveled extensively, her roots were in Winona.

It was love at first sight when Frank and Patricia met during the summer of 1948. As a good friend said, “When Frank saw Pat, he was struck by lightning.” Within a few years Frank and Pat married; four children followed: Trish, Buzz, Hunter, and Shannon. The Mertes clan has since grown to include seven grandchildren.

When Frank and Pat’s youngest child was just a few years old, Pat suffered debilitating injuries in a car accident. Frank lovingly cared for his wife until her death in 1991. The compassionate care also provided by WSU nursing students impelled Frank to create an endowed scholarship in Pat’s name to the WSU School of Nursing.

Another reason Frank set up a scholarship was that he knew how hard it was to be a spouse, parent, full-time employee, and college student all at the same time. He was not able to attend college full-time and graduate in four years. However, Frank firmly believed in the value of a college education and persevered in getting his business degree from WSU – even though it meant taking night classes and juggling work and family obligations.

Scholarship contacts are Shannon, Buzz, Hunter, and Trish (children of Frank and Pat).