Mercedes E. Chartier, Freedom, age 82, died at her home Monday February 4, 2013 surrounded by her family. She was born in Little Chute on September 22, 1930 to the late George and Lillian (Boes) Vander Velden. Merc graduated from St. John High School in 1948 and worked as a cashier at Spiegel's and in the classified ad department at the Post Crescent for several years. She married Raymond A. Chartier on August 18, 1952 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church where she was a member. He preceded her in death on November 4, 2006. After staying home to raise her family, Mercedes worked at Jack's Pizza before she and Ray owned and operated Chartier's Bar in Little Chute. They retired in 1983.

Mercedes is survived by her children: Renee (Glen) Lamers, Poysippi; Kim (Gary) Sturm, Little Chute; Dawn (Bruce) Stone, Freedom; and Jon (Lisa) Chariter, Kaukauna; grandchildren: Sam, Shayna, Amber and Shyanne Chartier, Tonya Conrad, Stacy and Tyler Sturm, Nathan and Natasha Stone; great grandchildren: Caitlin, Brayden, Madison, Anna, Jude, Collin, Aerin and Andy; and sisters-in-law: Doris Vander Velden and Elizabeth Schmitt.

She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mercedes was preceded in death by her grandsons: Jeremy, Joshua and Jason Sturm; brothers: Harold and Robert Vander Velden; sisters: Mabel (Gordon) Breier, Evelyn (Jack) Lex, Loretta (O'Neil) Rochon and Ruth (Harry) Rhodes; and sister and brother-in-law: Virginia Vander Velden and Vernon Chartier.

Visitation will be held Thursday February 7, 2013 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 2:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. The Msgr. Rev. James Vanden Hogen will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery.

Mom, rest easy and worry no more. It took a great mom to raise such good kids. We love you, will miss you and promise to take good care of each other.