Dorothy M. Kanitz, 94, passed away in peace on Wednesday, February 17th due to ongoing medical issues related to Parkinson’s disease. Born on July 14,1926 to the late Katherine (Bloechl) and Harry Doering, Dorothy grew up and lived in the Merrill area all of her life. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Marvin, her brothers Roy and Norbert Doering, sister-in-law: Nancy Doering and brother-in-law: Lester Sukow.

She will be greatly missed by her family which include children Kaye (Jim) Rell, Bruce (Paula) Kanitz, Jan Lemmer, Mark Kanitz, grandchildren: Renee (Dave) Fredel, Kevin (Sandy) Rell, Missy (John) Cayley, Megan (Jared) Anderson, Becca Kanitz, Matt (Khayla) Kanitz, Jason (Jenny) Lemmer, Jamie (Kent) Bronsteatter, Jenny (Missy) Lemmer, Leah (Nathan) Strand and Lisa (Dan) Folta, 33 great grandchildren, sister: Elaine Sukow and brother: Harry (Joyce) Doering, along with many devoted friends.

Dorothy lived every minute of her life doing things she enjoyed. She worked helping people at S&L department store, Special Lady and Snyder Drug. She volunteered with various tasks at St. Vincent’s.  She also enjoyed making embroidered dish towels for gifts.  She enjoyed serving her church by singing in the choir and cleaning after services with a group of women who rewarded themselves with a weekly breakfast date afterwards.  Music was also a big part of her life. She enjoyed watching her husband Marvin play in his polka band or being swept away on the dancefloor when a polka song was played. She often entertained family over the holidays by playing the piano or her doodle socker. The kitchen of her home was always filled with the sounds of polka music coming from the radio. Dorothy enjoyed spending time in Gleason at her cabin, hosting “On Doering Pond” and traveling with her children and grandchildren. She appreciated a good old fashion, a weekend in the woods, hosting her card club or riding the trails with her snowmobile club. In her later years, she embraced meeting new friends, playing crazy 8’s and getting to know staff members who lovingly took care of her during time spent at Pine Crest Nursing Home.  Dorothy was a positive, driven person who cherished relationships and experiences. She valued hard work, lots of play, the beauty shop and a great nail polish. Her love of life, positive attitude and kind heart will be missed on this earth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s name may be directed to St. Francis Catholic Church or school.  The Mass of Christian Burial for Dorothy will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 12 noon at St. Francis Catholic Church.  Father Maria Vallabhaneni will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 10:30am until 11:45am at Waid Funeral Home.  Burial will take place at the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery immediately following Mass.  The service will be live streamed at 12 noon and may be found under her obituary on the funeral home website.  It will also be available for viewing after the service, if you are unable to watch it live.  Social distancing and masks will be required at the funeral home and church.  Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.