Joshua P. Kato, age 13, of Merrill, died Thursday, February 14, 2013 as a result of an automobile accident.
He was born June 8, 1999 in Ishpeming, MI to Roy & Jenny (Erickson) Kato.
Josh was a Junior High school student in Oklahoma where he was involved in choir, soccer and boy scouts. He was quite involved in community service. Josh was very active in his church where he belonged to the youth group. As an older brother, Josh was very protective of his little sister, Brooke. He was a very good student and was even taking college courses at his young age. Josh will be remembered for his good natured “happy go lucky” attitude in life and a big smile to go with it.
Survivors include his sister: Brooke Kato, Merrill; Paternal Grandmother: Silvia Kato, Merrill; Maternal Grandparents: Joe & Sue Erickson, Skandia, MI; Paternal Great-Grandparents: Larry & Marianne Ekdahl, Merrill; Paternal Great-Great-Grandmother: Bernice Ekdahl, Manistique, MI; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, paternal Grandfather, Mike Kato, Maternal Great-Grandparents, Alfred & Bessie Erickson and Charles & Naomi West, and a Step-Great-Grandmother, Imagene West.
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. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.