Jenny Kato, 35, of Merrill, died Thursday, February 14, 2013 as a result of an automobile accident.
She was born August 2, 1977 in Escanaba, MI to Joseph and Susanne (West) Erickson. On May 9, 1998 she and Roy Kato were united in marriage in Eben Junction, MI.
Jenny was a 1995 graduate of Gwinn High School in Gwinn, MI. She attended college at Northern Michigan University for 2 years. After school, she married Roy. Jenny drove school bus in Wausau and in Oklahoma. She and her family had just returned to the Merrill/Wausau area. Jenny was active in church and Boy Scouts. She was a soccer mom and enjoyed doing community service work. Jenny was very active in JayCee’s and sang in the choir of her church. Jenny always had a smile on her face and never met a stranger. Her biggest joy in life was her family.
Survivors include her daughter: Brooke Kato, Merrill; parents: Joe & Sue Erickson, Skandia, MI; two brothers: Joe (Jody) Erickson Jr, Waynesville, OH and Jerry (Annette) Erickson, DeRidder, LA; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, son, Joshua, and her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Services will be held 7 PM Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at Waid Funeral Home. The Rev. Freddy McMillen will officiate. Friends may call from 4-7 PM at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park in the spring. A Memorial Service will be held in Skandia, MI at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to establish a trust account for her daughter, Brooke. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.