Carole Joan "CJ" Mertes (Nee Dieringer) from Grafton, WI, was accepted into the arms of her loving Savior after a long and courageous battle with cancer on February 12, 2017 at the age of 59. Close family and friends were by her side as she transitioned into eternal life. She is the beloved wife of Dave and loving mother of Noelle, son-in-law Eric and granddaughter Inara Braun, and Casey Jewell, as well as, two step-sons Brandon and Austin Mertes, and her precious dog, Miracle. She is survived by her parents Andrew and Audrey Dieringer, sister Jean (Ron) Karrels, brother Steven (Sandy), brother Charles (Kathy), brother William (late wife Vicki), sister Christine (Ed) Perrine, brother David (Cindy) and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by her brother Robert. She graduated from Ozaukee High School, received her Associates Degree as an Optometric Assistant from Lakeshore Technical Institute, and was most proud to receive her Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Concordia University. After working more than 15 years at SEEK Careers/Staffing in the Human Resources department, she transitioned to work fulltime and build her home based business with L'BRI Pure n' Natural. With passion, hard work and perseverance, Carole was promoted to Executive Manager with L'BRI, affecting the lives of many women. She was a strong advocate and educator on healthy and holistic approaches to life, including the food we eat and the products we put on our bodies. She was a naturally positive and outgoing person with a magnetic personality, and leaves behind numerous friends from all areas of life. She had a zest for life, and will always be remembered for her contagious smile, laugh, sense of humor, love for people, strong faith, warmth and generosity. The family would like to thank all the wonderful, caring friends and family who helped with Carole's round the clock care during her in home hospice care.  We will be celebrating Carole's life on Saturday, February 18 at Cornerstone Church, 1187 Falls Road, in Grafton. Visitation will be from 11am to 2pm, followed by a memorial service at 2pm, then light refreshments in the fellowship hall in the church basement.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either of the following non-profit organizations who helped Carole with generous gifts of love during her fight with cancer: Chix 4 A Cause, LTD (http://www.chix4acause.org) and Savage Support (http://www.savagesupport.org).