In a heartbreaking incident, a beloved couple, Julie Mertins, 61, and Timothy Mertins, 62, tragically lost their lives on Saturday, September 30, when their speeding boat veered off course on an Illinois river, resulting in a horrific collision with a house that broke the vessel in half. The couple’s untimely demise has left their community in McHenry, Illinois, mourning the loss of two selfless and devoted individuals.
The couple’s boat, traveling at a considerable speed, hit the shoreline and careened along the grass for 73 feet before crashing into a house, shattering the hull into two pieces, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The impact trapped Julie and Timothy beneath the wreckage, requiring immediate assistance. Tragically, Julie was declared deceased at the scene due to blunt force injuries sustained during the crash. Timothy was airlifted to Advocate Condell Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries in the operating room.
The details surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and toxicology findings are pending. Witnesses reported the motorboat speeding and maneuvering rapidly on the Fox River before the catastrophic crash. Eyewitnesses described the boat weaving and making sudden turns before colliding with the house and shoreline.
Julie and Timothy were not only spouses but also avid partners in life, sharing a passion for boating and outdoor activities. Their 33 years of marriage, celebrated annually on October 20th, showcased their deep bond and mutual love for each other. They were a true team, supporting each other in all aspects of life, from yard work to grocery shopping.
The tragic incident has left family and friends in profound sorrow, remembering the couple’s kind-hearted and generous nature. Messages of condolences and remembrance have poured in, emphasizing the positive impact Julie and Timothy had on their community. The mourning community is rallying together to honor their memory and offer support during this difficult time.
Julie and Tim Mertins Obituary
Julie, 61, was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was selfless and would set her own needs aside if it meant that she could spend time with someone else. She never forgot the important milestones for the innumerable people she counted among her friends and family. Tim, 62, was a loving husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He was meticulous about his house, cars, and boat. He loved to be outside in any capacity, which meant he was meticulous about the yard too.
Tim and Julie were each one of six children and were extremely family-oriented as a result. They did everything together from yard work to grocery shopping. Tim and Julie loved to entertain and never needed a reason why. They enjoyed being regulars at different local establishments and had a particular appreciation for any and all live music. If Tim was the Captain, Julie was First Mate, and they loved getting out on the water every chance they had. They would have celebrated 33 years of marriage on October 20th.
Julie was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine “Kay” Weidner and her goddaughter, Anne Vassas. Tim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruth Mertins, and his brothers Kevin and Brian Mertins. Tim and Julie are survived by their children, Troy and Allison Mertins, and their siblings, Janice Vassas (Bob), David Weidner (Janet), Gregory Weidner (Tracey), Donna Weidner, Jeanine Reiss (Sam), Patrick Mertins (Michelle), Karen Mertins, Christopher Mertins (Jen), Julie’s father Norman Weidner, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial visitation will be from 12pm until the prayer service at 5:30pm Sunday, October 8 at Davenport Family Funeral Homes, 419 East Terra Cotta Avenue (Route 176), Crystal Lake, IL. Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
