Dona Mae Merritt

DONA MAE (HOOVER) MERRITT, age 77, of Janesville passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at her home.

Born on September 15, 1947, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Dona was the beloved daughter of William and Emma (Sosinski) Hoover. She graduated from Augusta High School with the Class of 1965. On November 26, 1966, she was united in marriage to Kenneth “Butch” Merritt at Haycreek Church in Wisconsin. At the time, Kenneth was serving in the U.S. Navy, and the couple began their life together in San Diego, California.

Following Kenneth’s honorable discharge, the two made their home in various towns across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Throughout the years, Dona worked in a number of roles — from nursing home caregiver (TMA, CNA, and cook) to telephone operator, meat packing worker, and home health care provider — before retiring from Shady Oaks Nursery in Waseca.

Dona lived a full and vibrant life. She enjoyed playing bingo, gardening, camping, and fishing at the Boundary Waters. She had a special love for flowers and was a talented cake decorator, painter, and calligrapher. Above all, Dona cherished time with her family — her children and grandchildren brought her the greatest joy.

Dona is survived by her five children, Larry (Glee) Merritt of Waldorf, Mike “Spotty” Merritt of Janesville, Lori (Pete) Sonnek of Minnesota Lake, Ken “Kenny” Merritt of Waldorf, and Kathy (Jerry) Bauleke of New Richland; fourteen grandchildren, Alicia (Steph) Root, Alex (Haley) Merritt, Avery Merritt (fiancé, Cora Ingles), Aaron Merritt, Aiden Merritt, Tenia (Cory) Schroeder, Mariah (Riley) Carr, Kelsie (Austin) Purchla, Simon (Bella) Sonnek, Andrew Merritt, Austin, Issac, Kaitlyn, and Addison Bauleke; eleven great-grandchildren, Mia Merritt, Keegan, Sawyer, and Tate Root, Eloise and Teddy Merritt, Cecelia and Declan Merritt, Rhydian and Amariah Sonnek, Tibias Hancock and one on the way!; sister, Kathy Baily of Waseca; brothers, Dave Johnson of Rice Lake, WI and Bill (Loretta) Bird of Bartlesville, OK; sister-in-law, Louise (Alan) Peterson of Austin; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Merritt; parents, William and Emma Hoover; Mom Minert; siblings, Robert Hoover, Vernon “Shakey” Hoover, Stella Schaffer; and in-laws, Duane, Myron, Janet, and Irene Merritt.

A Celebration of Dona’s Life will begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the home of Pete and Lori Sonnek (53478 250th Street, Minnesota Lake, Minnesota, 56068).