Merilla (Mert) Konitzer, 84, passed away peacefully January 1, 2021. She was born on Oct. 5, 1936 to Ralph and Marge (VerBoncouer) Belanger Sr. Mert attended East High School where she met Ken Konitzer who she later married on Jan. 3, 1956. Ken was in the Army so they were stationed in many areas before he retired and then settled in Abrams with their three sons.

Mert and Ken were cofounders in the Scouting program in Abrams where she received several awards with the highest being the Silver Beaver Award.

She went back to school and received her GED and associate degrees in Marketing Communication and Police Science from NWTC. Mert loved dogs and was the Animal Control Person for Abrams and the surrounding areas for 36 years and was also the Fire Warden for 22 years.

Survivors include her three sons, Roger (Lisa), Randy "Fred" (Rosiland), Scott "Bugsy" (Debbie); six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; brother Dean Belanger; sisters Cynthia Fuller and Joanne Peterson; sister-in-law Sandy (Bob) Mc Glothlen; brother-in-law Maynard (Donna) Konitzer and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ken Konitzer; her parents; brother Ralph Jr.; in-laws Martin and Edna Konitzer, Jim and Loretta Konitzer, Clyde Petersen, Elaine Belanger, Dick Fuller; great granddaughter Peyton Konitzer.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Pfotenhauer Funeral Home and & Cremation Service, Howard-Suamico location, 1145 Cardinal Lane, on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 4 until 6:00 p.m. Memorial Service 6:00 p.m. Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. Online condolences welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers, we are donating to the Oconto and Brown County Humane Societies in Mert's memory.

A special thank you to Allouez Parkside Village and Heartland Hospice.