Dorothy M. Kanitz, age 88, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2012, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services and the staff at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill.
Dorothy was born on December 30, 1923, in the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, daughter of the late Leo and Rose (Patrinski) Oknewski. She married Leslie Kanitz on October 3, 1942, in Merrill. He preceded her in death on March 6, 2006. Les and Dorothy were the owners/operators of the former “Mid City Service” in Merrill. She also worked at Merrill Manufacturing for nearly 25 years, and was a bookkeeper and phone dispatcher for ‘Black and White Taxi,’ the family’s taxi business in Merrill. In 1993, Dorothy earned her G.E.D. at the age of 70. She attended grade school at the former French Ridge School, Town of Pine River. Dorothy was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Dorothy enjoyed decorating cakes and took great pride in winning awards at fairs. She made cakes for weddings, graduations, confirmations, and birthdays. She loved the holidays, especially decorating the Christmas tree. Dorothy enjoyed cooking for the family and had many beloved family recipes. She loved nature and birds, and was an avid reader. Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include one daughter, Lorraine Koch, of Racine; three sons, Allan (Julie) Kanitz, of Merrill, Dale (Rose) Kanitz, of Rib Mountain, and Daniel (Dawn) Kanitz, of Merrill; five grandchildren, Kimberly, Nicole, Karla, Alexis, and Erin; six great-grandchildren, Brandyn, Bailee, Benjamin, Madison, Kendall, and Logan; two step grandchildren, Jeremy and Sarah; five step great-grandchildren, Emma, Anna, Lucas, Emily and Everett; two sisters, Tersa Klimek and Emily (Elroy) Pfingsten, both of Merrill; one brother, Bernard Oknewski, of New York; and one brother-in-law, Lylas Kanitz, of Merrill. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Leslie Kanitz; one great grandson, Bryce; one sister, Irene Shorey; two brothers, Louis Oknewski and Andrew Oknewski; three sisters-in-law, Eleanor Oknewski, Jane Oknewski, and Lois Oknewski; and two brothers-in-law, Harry Klimek and Earl Shorey.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 8, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Mark Schoenherr will officiate. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 10:00 A.M. Friday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com