Roy Kato, 35, of Merrill, died Thursday, February 14, 2013 as a result of an automobile accident.
He was born August 14, 1977 in Landsthul, Germany to Melvin & Silvia (Ekdahl) Kato. On May 9, 1998 he and Jenny Erickson were united in marriage in Eben Junction, MI.
Roy was a 1996 graduate of Superior Central High School in Eben Junction, MI. After high school, Roy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served until being honorably discharged in 1999. When Roy returned from the Air Force he lived and worked in Marquette. He and his family moved to the Wausau area where he eventually worked for Old Castle Glass Company. They moved to Oklahoma in 2008 and just recently returned to the Merrill/Wausau area. Roy was active in church and Boy Scouts. He was very involved with the Wausau Area JayCee’s. He and Jenny were active in their children’s sporting events. Roy loved to hunt and spend time in the outdoors but he especially loved his family and spending time with them.
Survivors include his daughter: Brooke Kato, Merrill; mother: Silvia Kato, Merrill; sister: Trina (Dean) Berndt, Appleton; maternal grandparents: Larry & Marianne Ekdahl, Merrill; maternal great-grandmother: Bernice Ekdahl, Manistique, MI; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jenny Kato, son, Joshua Kato, father, Mike Kato, and paternal grandparents, Roy & Florence Kato.
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 his daughter, Brooke. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.