Heinrich Peter Mehrens

Heinrich Peter Mehrens (Opa), (Heiner) 79, of Topeka, Kansas was born in Waddens, Germany November 1, 1938. He was married to the love of his life Rosemarie Mehrens July 14th, 1962 and were married for 55 beautiful years. Opa passed December 10th, 2017 due to complications from a stroke. He was surrounded by all of his family at his passing, it was as peaceful as could be.

He was a loving father to Christian, Andre and daughter Allison, grandfather to Elliot and Julien Mehrens all of Topeka, KS. Along with 2 surviving brothers, 1 sister, multiple nieces and nephews and their extended families in the United States and Germany.

Heiner and Rosie came to the United States from Germany in 1963 to start a new life for their family and to give them opportunities for a better life. He and Rosie became proud citizens of the United States in 1969.

Heiner was a sheet metal fabricator by trade and worked for Kansas Sheet Metal and Stevenson's Sheet Metal until he and his brother in-laws and nephew started the family business Aluplast &Topeka Roll Shutter Co. in 1978, which he retired from in 2001.

Opa loved watching soccer, eating great meals, dancing, laughing and being around family and his love Rosie. When young, he was a semi-pro soccer player in Germany and played city league soccer in Topeka in his forties. He loved the game. He was able to make it to a World Cup Game and is a big Sporting KC fan.

His greatest love was coaching and watching his grandsons and their teammates play soccer, baseball, football, basketball and track. He made it to nearly every event and had the joy of seeing both grandsons play and win basketball, as Topeka West Chargers the Friday before his passing.

He was a Father, mentor, hero and best friend to his two sons Chris and Andre who love him dearly.

He was one of the founders and current member of the German American Club of Topeka and served as President of the Club multiple terms. He loved his German heritage, all the Clubs members and spoke at many High Schools here in town to help students understand the German heritage.

Heiner asked that instead of any thoughts of flowers, he would rather you donate what you are able, to the Helping Hands Humane Society as he loved animals, or the German American Club of Topeka.

A celebration of life will be held at First Congressional Church located at 1701 SW Collins Tuesday December 19th, 2017 from 6-8pm.

Memorial service begins at 6:15pm, celebration to follow.