Merkt, Joetta "Penny"Joetta "Penny" Merkt, 70, of Fond du Lac, was called home to the Lord on December 7, 2016 at St. Agnes Hospital with family by her side. She was born on January 29, 1946 to the late John H. and Laura L. (Rogers) Hefner in North Carolina.Penny worked for Regalware in Kewaskum as a laborer for several years. She worked at various fabric/sewing shops. Penny enjoyed tending to her flower garden. She was a very artistic person and it showed through her paintings, quilting especially hand quilting and making her own patterns. She loved her family and friends and had a personality that people were drawn to her; she was an exceptional woman.She was a member of Rock Bible Baptist Church in Theresa, WI. Joetta married Richard J. Merkt on December 31, 1996 at Rock Bible Baptist Church.Penny is survived by her husband, Richard; one son, Russell (Lainie) Grantman; two grandchildren, Joshua and Allison; three step-children, Tina Merkt, Eric Merkt and Paul Merkt; four step-grandchildren, Gage, Grace, Corbin and Savanna. She is further survived by two brothers, Bobby and Eddie; six sisters, Helen, Betty, Joyce, Louise, Rachel and Dolly; nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.She was preceded in death by her parents.Visitation: The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 3:45 PM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division Street in Fond du Lac.Service: A funeral service will be held following the visitation at 4:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Joseph McGee officiating. Inurnment will take place, at a later date, in Ledgeview Memorial Park.Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com