Merlin J. “Butch” Katers, Jr., age 70, of Green Bay, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, surrounded by his family.

He was born on February 18, 1947, in Green Bay, to the late Merlin, Sr. & Irene (Becks) Katers.
Butch was a graduate of Premontre High School.

He married Judy Wielgus on September 20, 1966, in Green Bay.

He became employed by the Milwaukee Road Railroad in 1965 before being drafted into the U.S. Army and serving in Germany. He achieved the rank of Sergeant E-5. After being honorably discharged, he returned to his job with the railroad. He was employed for a total of 20 years before a work injury ended his career. More recently, Butch enjoyed working for Automotive Supply Company as a delivery driver. He had a special group of guys that he met every morning for coffee, and he also enjoyed monthly dinners with his long-time neighbors.

Butch enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed watching the school and sports activities of his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Judy; children, John (Linda) and their children, Kirby and Tanner; and Lori (Todd) and her children, Hannah and Ashley; siblings, Linda Adams, Debbie (Dave) Friedl, and Tom (Bonnie) Katers; godchildren, Allison Kavanaugh and Jessica Fritz; in-laws, Bonnie (Dave) Vaness, and John (Sharon) Wielgus; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; feline companion, Molly.

He is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Chester Wielgus & Patricia Wielgus Noth; special brother-in-law, Dale Adams; aunts, uncles and cousins; several feline companions.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home, concluded by full military honors.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Greer and staff, Dr. Cutler and staff, and a special thank you to the staff of Unity Hospice, especially Traci, Sarah, Jackie, Lana and Chaplain Bob Nooker.

Thank you, Mom, for the wonderful care you provided for Dad, making it possible for him to remain at home. Thank you, Ashley, for your devoted attention and care as Grandpa’s “nurse”.

“We miss you already”