Kathleen M. (Chiapete) Krahn

Surrounded by her loving family, Kathleen M. Krahn, age 70, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2013, at her residence.  She was born in Racine, May 7, 1943, daughter of the late William and Dorothy (Nee:  Dresen) Chiapete.

Kathleen was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1961.”  On September 7, 1963, she was united in marriage to John “Nick” Krahn who preceded her in death on March 4, 2012.  She was employed for many years at Wadewitz Elementary School as a Special Education Assistant until her retirement in 2005.  Kathleen adored and cherished spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends.  She will be deeply missed.

Kathleen was the loving mother of Michele (Scott) Hoffman of Wauwatosa, John (Suellen) Krahn, Mike Krahn, all of Racine; devoted and proud grandmother to Jennifer and Mackenzie Hoffman, Nicholas, Becca and Josh Krahn, and Eris Krahn; her caring siblings, William (Pat) Chiapete, Rick (Linda) Chiapete, Randy (Patty) Chiapete, Tom (Kris) Chiapete, Jonna Chiapete; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Judy (Vic) Weinfurter of Kenosha, Linda (Larry) Kapellucsh of Racine, Larry (Linda) Krahn of Black River Falls; nieces, nephews, many dear relatives and friends.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Chiapete.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave., with Rev. Ricardo Martin officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the church from 4 p.m. until time of Mass at 6 p.m.  Memorials to Froedtert Oncology Department or to the American Diabetes Association have been suggested.

A very special thank you to Wheaton Franciscan Hospice, Froedtert Oncology  Department, and Dr. Christopher Sobczak for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888

Ronald J. Childs

Ronald J. Childs, “Ronnie,” age 56, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at his home.  He was born in Milwaukee on November 16, 1956, son of Robert and Rose Marie (Nee: Koszewski) Childs and was raised in Racine.

Ron graduated from JI Case High School, “Class of 1974.”  On December 8, 1984, at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, he was united in marriage to Joellen I. Lewis.  Ron was employed at Michael’s Machine for a few years, at Jacobsen Mfg. for 24 ½ years and last worked at FedEx.  He was a member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter.  Ron was a handyman who enjoyed tinkering with wood and enjoyed fixing things. Prior to his marriage, he enjoyed racing stockcars at Wilmont.   Above all, it was time spent with his family he treasured the most.  He will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of twenty-eight years, Joellen;  his children, Adam Childs (fiancée, Alex), Jakob Childs (fiancée, Becca); his grandchildren, Aaron James, Breanna Rose Marie; his mother, Rose Marie Childs of Keshena; brothers and sisters, Chris (Tom) Beyers, Catherine (Bob) Young, Bob Childs, Cindy Anderson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bill (Elaine) Lewis of Racine, Steve (Patti) Lewis of Mankato, MN; nieces, nephews, other relatives, many dear friends and his faithful companion, Hank.  He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Childs; and sister, Carol.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Mark Doidge officiating.  Private interment will be held.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until time of service at 7 p.m.  

MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888

Carol B. (Howard) Helland

Carol B. Helland, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center.  Carol was born on March 19, 1926, in Racine, WI, daughter of the late Walter and Margaret (Nee:  Babe) Howard.  She spent her childhood on the family farm in Franksville.  She graduated from the Rochester Agricultural School “Class of 1944.”

On September 17, 1949, she was united in marriage at St. Louis Catholic Church to Robert Helland, who preceded her in death on October 10, 2004.  Carol was employed at S.C. Johnson, Kroger Foods and J.C. Penney.  She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Survivors include her children, Robert (Marsha) Helland of Racine, Mary Jane (Dominick) Ciampo of Georgetown, Delaware,  Margaret Techert, Tom (Lisa) Helland, all of Racine; grandchildren, Dominick (Tiffany) Ciampo, Steve (Alison) Tanking, Joe (Tracy) Tanking, Chad Helland, Bryce Helland; great-grandchildren, Dominick and Gianni Ciampo and Andilynn Tanking; sisters-in-law, Jerry Howard and Sue Helland; many other family and friends.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Edward Howard; and brothers-in-law, Albert, James and John Helland.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated  on Monday, May 20, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave., with Rev. Ricardo Martin officiating.  Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. and Monday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 10 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Cancer Center have been suggested.

A very special thank you to Dr. Ryan Engel and staff for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888

Ruth M. (Anderson) Schanstine

Surrounded by her loving family, Ruth M. Schanstine, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at her residence.  Ruth was born in Bloomer, WI, on September 13, 1921, daughter of the late George and Bertha (Nee:  Meindel) Anderson.

Ruth was employed by Voorlas Manufacturing for many years.  She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.  An avid Wisconsin sports fan, Ruth loved the Packers, Brewers and Badgers.  More than anything, she treasured time spent with her family and especially enjoyed cooking for them.  Ruth will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children, Georgia Schanstine, Scott Schanstine, Francene Mickelson, Patricia (James) Litrenta, Todd (Susan) Schanstine, Lou Ann (Ken) Prudhom; 13 grandchildren, Michael Eichorst, Tyler Schanstine, Shane Mickelson, Linda Mickelson, Eric (Tara) Litrenta, Michael (Holli) Litrenta, Annie (Chris) Rosauer, Brittani Schanstine, Allison May, Tia Schanstine, Jacob Plantz, John Prudhom, Joe Prudhom; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Georgetta Thibeau; special friend, Lynelle; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, James; two daughters, Holly and Roberta; three brothers, Ben, Ralph and Ronald; and two sisters, Beatrice Ruetz and Janice Winter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, May 20, 2013, at noon at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1100 Erie St., with Rev. Pablo Cirujeda officiating.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at noon. Memorials to St. Patrick Catholic Church have been suggested.

A special thank you to Ruth’s caregivers at Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888

Betty J. (Ludwigson) Hilmer

Betty J. Hilmer, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at the Elizabeth Residence. Betty was born in Oconomowoc on February 7, 1927, daughter of the late Victor and Rose (Nee: Poradek) Ludwigson.

On September 6, 1947, at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Oconomowoc, she was united in marriage to Joseph R. Hilmer, who preceded her in death on July 24, 2011.

Betty was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church, Catholic Women’s Club, Meadowbrook Country Club, Woman’s Club of Racine, and St. Mary’s Auxiliary. She served as chairman of the Cardiac Capers and in her younger years was actively involved with the Girl Scouts. She devoted her life to her family and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her nine children, James (Gail) Hilmer, Marge (James) Ouimet, Rose (Ron) Johnson, John (Jayne) Hilmer, Thomas (Deb) Hilmer, Joseph (Patricia) Hilmer, Barbara (Tristan) Perez, Catherine (Jiro) Sakamoto, Susan (Brent) Podlogar; 23 grandchildren, David (Tatiana) Hilmer, Michael (Diane) Ouimet, Michelle (Jack) Hill, Suzanne (Alfredo) Munoz, Mark, Krista and Craig Johnson, Nathan Hilmer, Jacob (Sarah) Hilmer, Rebecca (Ryan) Cairns, Jazz Hilmer, Dane (Ann Marie) Hilmer, Toran Hilmer, Noelle (Curtis) Tripp, Allison (Andrew) Smith, Andrew (Jingqing) Hilmer, Eric (Caitlin) Hilmer, Brittany Perez, Kimmi, Amanda and Andrew Sakamoto, Sarah and Vaughn Podlogar; nine great-grandchildren, Kurt and Ryan Ouimet, Jaden and Ashton Hill, Audrey Munoz, Tayden Snowball, Jackson and Savannah Hilmer, Agnes Cairns; brother-in-law, William Cerbe; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 25, 2013, at 11 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., with Rev. Kevin Mullins O.S.A. officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Catherine’s High School or St. Rita Catholic Church.

The family extends a special thank you to the staffs at the Elizabeth Residence and Seasons Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888

Thomas M. Feeney

Thomas M. Feeney, age 65, passed away Monday, May 13, 2013, at Wheaton Franciscan–All Saints Medical Center.  Thomas was born in Racine on October 14, 1947, son of the late James F. and LaVerne B. (Nee:  Hay) Feeney.

On June 25, 1981, he was united in marriage to Dorothy M. Doerflinger.  Thomas retired in 2011 after teaching World History at Walden III for thirty years.  An accomplished writer, soon to be published author, and poet, Thomas also enjoyed canoeing, bicycling and photography, and was quite the foodie and connoisseur of great wine.  He was a loving and devoted husband and father who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of thirty-two years, Dorothy; his daughters, Morgan Anne Feeney and Shannon Marie Feeney; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Doerflinger, Patricia Luken, Jackie (Marvin) Sizemore; aunt, Gerry Hay; cousins, John Hay, Al (Marion) Hay; childhood friend, Gus Stanislav; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013, at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Tony Larsen officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the funeral home from 4:30 p.m. until time of service at 6:30 p.m.  Memorials to Amnesty International, U.S. Chess Trust, or Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness have been suggested.

A very special thank you to Dr. Joel Niebuhr, the nurses and staff at Wheaton Franciscan ICU for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888

Hugh Mooney

Hugh Mooney, age 62, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2013, at his residence. Hugh was born in Glasgow, Scotland, October 30, 1950, son of the late Joseph and Mary “Molly” Mooney.

Hugh was a graduate of William Horlick High School “Class of 1968.” He proudly served as Corporal in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. On August 13, 1971, he was united in marriage to Donna M. Urbush.

Hugh was employed by J.I. Case Company for thirty-three years, retiring from CNH in May of 2006. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church and Racine County Line Rifle Club. A huge sports spectator and Badgers fan, Hugh also enjoyed traveling, fly fishing, kayaking, fishing, and playing his bagpipes with the Billy Mitchell Scottish Pipes and Drums. More than anything, he cherished time spent with his family and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of forty-two years, Donna; his children, Christopher (Noelle) Mooney of Racine, Heather Mooney (fiancé, Benjamin Baerbock and daughter, Gabby) of Menomonee Falls; his four grandchildren, Samuel, Olivia, William and Ian; brothers and sister, Joseph (Mary) Mooney of Racine, Maureen (Kevin) Ritchie of Frankfort, KY, James (Bonnie) Mooney, Kenneth Mooney, all of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Terence and Brian.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 16, 2013, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 13207 County Road G, Caledonia, at  6 p.m. with Rev. Mark Danczyk officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the church from 4 p.m. until time of Mass at 6 p.m. Private interment with full military honors will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. Memorials to the Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Cancer Center, All Saints Cardiac Unit or to the National Kidney Foundation have been suggested.

Special thank you to Dr. Ryan Engel and staff at Wheaton Franciscan Cancer Center and Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888