Junella Smits Obituary
Junella Smits, 88, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She was born April 17, 1937, in Mackville, Wisconsin to Gerard and Dolores (Reiland) Brys. Junella, the oldest of six, attended St. Mary’s Catholic School where she met her future husband. After graduating from St. Joseph Academy in 1955, Junella married Merlin Anthony Smits on November 22, 1955.
In addition to raising five wonderful children, from 1968-1980, Merlin and Junella opened their hearts and home to over 250 foster children, providing emergency housing until the children could be placed in permanent homes. From 1986-1990, Junella and Merlin managed the Econo Lodge in downtown Green Bay.
In retirement, Junella and Merlin traveled all over the world: the Bahamas, Germany, Israel, and Jamaica. In their beloved RV, they traveled to 49 states and the 10 Canadian Provinces. For 18 years, they lived in Yuma, Arizona, enjoying the desert life after so many Wisconsin winters. She and Merlin remained strong in their faith as members of the Catholic Church, attending services wherever they traveled.
Junella is survived by: three children: Debra Deer, Bryan and Lisa Smits, Rodney (Racer) and Ann (Wheelz) Smits; daughters-in-law: Rita, Sharon; brother: Delford (Pai) and sisters-in-law: Rosie Mangin, LaVerne Heezen, Rita Smits, Sue Brys; grandchildren: Mark Metz, Everesta (Alex) Hannon, Merlin (Melody) Smits, Joseph (Heidi) Smits, Rochelle (TJ) Seeman; Rebecca (Brian) Phillips, Amanda Deer (Sam Trones); Thomas (Rhiannon) Smits; Kara (Tyler) Kral; grandson-in-law: Erik Ascher; 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Junella is preceded in death by her beloved husband: Merlin (2022); sons: Tony, Marty son-in-law: Tom Deer; grandchild: Terri Jo Ascher; parents: Gerard and Delores; in-laws: Peter and Hattie Smits; brothers: Delton, Daryl (Sue), Lloyd, Lyle; in- laws: Gloria Brys, Priscilla Brys, Smits in-laws: Harold (Hazel); Roland (Genevive); Florence (Ervin) Heim; Lyle Mangin; Hank Heezen; Roger; Edward (Lynn). Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 4805 Sporstman Drive, in De Pere, WI, from 9 a.m. until the hour of Mass at 11 a.m., with Father Mike Ingold officiating
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
701 North Baird Street, Green Bay, WI 54302
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