Kenneth Jay Merritt

Kenneth “Butch” Jay Merritt, age 74, of Janesville died on Monday, July 27, 2020 at Hilcrest Rehabilitation Center in Mankato.

Kenneth was born on August 17, 1945, in Albert Lea to Ezra and Evelyn (Bishop) Merritt. He attended elementary school in Freeborn and graduated from Fairchild High School in Fairchild, Wisconsin. Following his education, Kenneth enlisted into the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War until being honorably discharged in 1969. On November 26, 1966, Kenneth was united in marriage to Dona Mae Hoover at Haycreek Church in Wisconsin. At the time of their marriage, Kenneth was still serving in the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California which is where they began their married life together. Following his honorable discharge, Kenneth and Dona lived in various towns between Minnesota and Wisconsin. It was during this time that Kenneth and Dona milked cows, first for Kenneth’s father and later for themselves until settling in Janesville, Minnesota where Kenneth began his 33 year career at Brown Printing in Waseca. Kenneth enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards and bowling. He especially enjoyed helping in the pits at the Enduro races for one of his best friends, Bill Christiansen. He cherished the time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dona of Janesville; 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 Waseca; fourteen grandchildren: Alicia (Steph) Root, Alex Merritt (fiancé, Haley Behne), Avery Merritt (fiancé, Cora Ingles), Aaron Merritt, Aiden Merritt, Tenia (Cory) Schroeder, Mariah Sonnek (fiancé, Riley Carr), Kelsie Sonnek (fiancé, Austin Purchla), Simon Sonnek (fiancé, Bella Stokes), Andrew (Angeles) Merritt, Austin, Issac, Kaitlyn, and Addison Bauleke; three great grandchildren: Mia Merritt, Keegan Root, Cecelia Merritt and one on the way!; sister, Louise (Alan) Peterson of Austin; sisters-in-law, Irene Merritt of Altoona, WI, and Kathy Baily of Waseca; brothers-in-law: Dave Johnson of Rice Lake, WI and Bill (Loretta) Bird of Bartlesville, OK.

Preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Duane and Myron Merritt; sister, Janet Merritt.

A Celebration of Kenneth’s Life with military honors will begin at 1PM on August 16, 2020 at the home of Pete and Lori Sonnek (53478 250th Street, Minnesota Lake, Minnesota, 56068).