Mersim Mena

Mersim Mena passed away at ThedaCare Berlin on Sunday February 16, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family. Mersim lived the life of a hundred men and had the voice of a thousand. If he was in the room, you would know it. His giving spirit and good nature character of a man is what everyone will remember him by. A proud Albanian, born in Yugoslavia in 1950, he immigrated alone, at the young age of 17 to what he referred to as the best country in the world. Shortly after, he met his Jersey girl, Isabel, and married at just 19 years old, continuing a lasting love for almost 55 years. Soon after they married their first daughter was born on Christmas Day practically under the Christmas tree in front of the Rockefeller Center. Together they moved to Chicago, where they had three more daughters (poor dad). From melting gold in NYC, to autobody in north Chicago, lastly, they transitioned their life to Berlin, Wisconsin where Mersim took on his most prideful job of owning his own restaurant, Berlin Family Restaurant. While working seven days a week, he took the time to take care of and get to know every individual customer, where he became a pillar of his community. His louder-than-life personality made a huge impression on the townspeople, it didn't take long for everyone to embrace and love him. Not only did he have a great love for his restaurant, but he also had a great love for life, a huge passion for music, especially rock and roll and Motown. He loved dancing, going to shows, a good rare prime rib, adventures, swimming and especially the ocean. Once, his daughter and son-in-law took over the family business, he was able to enjoy early retirement, from adventures in Las Vegas, across Europe and lastly his ocean side condo in Daytona Beach, Florida. From his humble beginnings to a successful businessman, the most important part of his life was his grandchildren. He was a proud patriarch, who taught hard work, strength and integrity that will live on through his legacy. Mersim will be deeply missed, forever cherished. Survived by his wife, Isabel Mena; his daughters, Sue-Z (Safet) Zenku, Ajshe (Chris) Jecevicus, Nekia (Kevin) Goyert, Luleta (Travis) Mena. Mersim also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Liridon (Shayla) Zenku, Arietta Zenku, Cole Jecevicus, Artim Zenku, Lola Jecevicus, Veda Jecevicus, Kenneth Goyert, Drejton Zenku, Payton Goyert, Jade Mena. His surviving siblings include, Neim (Fatime) Menoski, Makfi (Nazat) Mena, Makfiret (Rini) Dervishi, along with many nieces, nephews and countless friends. He was preceded in death by, his father, Shefket, his mother, Nazike; his brothers, Hasan and Nexhmi. Family and friends may visit with the family and pay their respects to Mersim on Saturday February 22, 2025 from 12-3 p.m. at the Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home. There will be a celebration of Mersim’s life following the visitation at Izzy’s Bar. The family requests that in place of flowers, a memorial has been established.