Merlin Smits

Merlin Smits, 86, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was born November 22,1935 in DePere, Wisconsin to Peter and Hattie (Henrietta VanDenElzen) Smits. Merlin was born at home on the farm; delivered right into his father’s arms. When the doctor finally arrived, Peter told the doctor not to charge him as he did all the work. The fourth of eight children, Merlin attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in DePere where he first met his future wife. After dating for a few years, Merlin married the love of his life, Junella Brys, on November 22, 1955. Together they raised five beautiful children, Anthony, Debra, Martin, Bryan, and Rodney. Merlin supported the family working hard as a farm hand, an iron worker, and in construction. He retired as a crane mechanic. Merlin was a strong member of the community. As part of the Knights of Columbus, Merlin rose through the ranks and became a Deputy Grand Knight and Grand Knight. From 1968-1980, Merlin and Junella opened their hearts and...