Sunday, April 12, 2009

Elsie E. (Duratny) Leuker

Elsie E. Leuker, age 87, entered eternal life on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009. Elsie was born in Racine April 4, 1922, daughter of the late Paul and Pauline (nee: Porasik) Duratny. Elsie was a graduate of Park High School. She worked at Hamilton Beach where she met Al Leuker, her husband of 63 years. She and Albert were married on September 4, 1943, at Treasure Island, San Francisco, during Al’s tour of duty in the U.S. Navy.

Elsie filled her free time with many hobbies, including arts and crafts, gardening and baking. She was a member of the Lighthouse Quilters and spent many long hours designing, creating and displaying her handiwork. Her handsewn gifts will be forever cherished as symbols of her creativity, diligence, skill and love. She enjoyed the outdoors, busying herself in her flower beds. A fresh bouquet of spring flowers from her garden brightened her bedside in her final days. She enjoyed cooking and baking, particularly when making her Slovak specialties at holiday time. Elsie seemed happiest when she was doing things for others. Her neverending kindness and giving of herself will be her lasting legacy.

Survivors include her loving children, Maryann Leuker, James Leuker (Gilbert Gonzalez) of San Francisco, CA, Kathleen (Michael) Anderson of Madison, Janet (Joseph) Orth of Racine, Thomas (Lisa) Leuker of Madison; her four grandchildren, Eric Anderson of Madison, Matthew Anderson of Indianapolis, IN, Danielle Leuker and Erika Leuker, both of Madison; brother-in-law, John Inele of Kenosha; nieces, Nancy Hammond of West Des Moines, IA, and Patty Duratny of San Angelo, TX; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Edward; and sister, Dorothy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 10 a.m. with Rev. John D. Aiello officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to the All Saints Cancer Center have been suggested.

A special thank you to the caring staff at Wheaton-Franciscan All Saints for all of their loving care.

Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home
803 Main St., Racine 262-634-7888

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