Jane L. Nyiri-Jones

Midlothian, Va. -- Jane L. Nyiri-Jones, age 62, passed away peacefully, Sunday, December 4, 2011, at her residence. Jane was born to Stephen and Dolores “Jeanne” (Née: Sherman) Nyiri in Racine, WI, April 5, 1949.

Jane attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1967.” Moving to the Washington, DC, area in 1970, Jane furthered her education and graduated with a degree in business and horticulture from Virginia State College. She was initially employed by the FBI and later by New York Life and sales with Pinkerton Tobacco Company where she was awarded top sales manager. Gardening was very therapeutic for Jane. She shared her floral creations with the Cancer House, neighbors and friends. A survivor herself, Jane also enjoyed volunteering with cancer patients in Hospice. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her parents, Stephen and Jeanne; Aunt Helen and Chester Leskowicz; cousins, many friends in Virginia and Racine. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 17, 2011, at noon at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., with Rev. Sean Granger officiating. Private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet at the church Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers memorials to St. Joseph Grade School, Wheaton Franciscan Cancer Hope Fund, or the American Cancer Society have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Bill Barto, Faye Austin, Lois Eckard and the staff at St. Christopher’s Assisted Living for their kind and compassionate care.

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

Dana Alyss Mekhsian

Milwaukee - Dana A. Mekhsian, 23, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 3, 2011, at her residence in Milwaukee.

Dana was born in Racine on February 9, 1988, to Arakel and Debra (nee: Howarth) Mekhsian. She was a graduate of Washington Park High School and lived in Racine until she moved to Milwaukee to attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Dana attended Grace Lutheran Church and when she lived in Milwaukee she attended other churches with her friends. In college, she participated as student teacher's assistant for her Bachelor's Degree in Education.

Dana was a free spirit, laughing out loud with a kind smile and a goofy sense of humor. She was an honest soul and did not have any pretense about her. Dana was always able to give encouragement to family and
friends. She could always make her Grampa smile.

Dana will always be loved and missed by her parents, Arakel and Debra Mekhsian; one brother, Erik Mekhsian; her maternal grandmother, Lorraine Howarth; her aunts and uncles, Sherry (Mark) Gertenbach and their children, Adam, Ryan, Greg and Jennifer; Harout (Maral) Mekhsian and Salpi (Hovhannes) Tokatlian; and many other cousins, other relatives and friends. Dana was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, LeRoy "Bud" Howarth on February 19, 2010, and her paternal grandparents, Nishan (Baydsar) Mekhsian.

Funeral services in memory of Dana will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Thomas Chryst officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Friday evening, December 9, 2011, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Saturday morning, December 10, 2011, from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

The Mekhsian family would like to give a special thank you to Tammy Spranger for the close support of Dana's family.

Wilson Funeral Home
1212 Lathrop Ave., Racine 262-634-3361

Attorney Robert 'Bob' Eugene Sharp

Attorney Robert “Bob” Eugene Sharp, age 83, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2011, at Froedtert Memorial Hospital, Wauwatosa, WI.

Bob was born October 22, 1928, in Springfield, IL. He was a World War II Veteran. He graduated from Marquette Law School and practiced law in Racine from 1956 until his death. Bob was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church and Holy Name Society. He was actively involved in several community service organizations including Fourth Fest, Boy Scouts, and Lions Club.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Pauline; his seven children Zhna Sharp, David Sharp, R. Christopher (Terri) Sharp, Thomas Sharp, Stephen (Laura) Sharp, Amy (David) Arenson, Gregory (Tomomi) Sharp; nine grandchildren; one great-grandson; other relatives and many dear friends.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, December 9, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., with Rev. Terrance J. Huebner officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass.

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

Patricia R. (Jones) Higgins

Surrounded by her loving family, Patricia R. Higgins, age 75, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2011, at Aurora Medical Center, Kensoha, WI. Patricia was born in Racine, November 22, 1936, daughter of the late Harry R. and Marie A. (Nee: Foster) Jones.

Patricia was a graduate of Washington Park High School “Class of 1954.” On October 22, 1955, at St. Rose Catholic Church she was united in marriage to Ronald D. Higgins. She was a longtime member of St. Rose Catholic Church and was last attending St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Patricia was an avid reader and excellent cook. More than anything she cherished time spent with her family and will be fondly remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her loving husband of fifty-six years, Ron; her children, Cheri (Ed) Richardson of Lake Bluff, IL, Susan Higgins, Sean P. Higgins, both of Racine, Kathleen (Chris) Rosene of Menomonee Falls, WI; her nine grandchildren, Heather Richardson, Ryan Richardson, Erin Zickus, Michael Zickus, Sean J. Higgins, Trevor Higgins (Yvette Boudreaux), Nicole Higgins (Monshae Garrett), Brittany Dunk-Rosene, Victoria “Torri” Rosene; her six great-grandchildren, Sammy, Eve, Trevor, Trinity, Jaylen and Sierra; sister-in-law, Bertha Rocray; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 8, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Tom Dickelman officiating. Interment will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Memorials to Hospice Alliance have been suggested.

A very special thank you to the staffs at Aurora Medical Center, Kenosha, and Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Robert H. Bergs

Robert H. Bergs, age 83, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 3, 2011, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born in Edgar, WI, on April 27, 1928, to the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Nee: Metz) Bergs. Bob was a graduate of UW-Madison where he earned his degree in accounting. On June 16, 1952, he married the love of his life, Theresa Brill, whom he adoringly called "Toots." That same year they moved to Milwaukee, where Bob pursued a successful career as a self-employed accountant.

He was a member of St. Elizabeth Parish and Our Lady of Good Hope Parish in Milwaukee, where he served on numerous committees throughout the years. In 2009 he and Toots moved to Bay Point in Racine where they enjoyed excellent care and many good times. They joined St. Rita’s Parish and attended Mass faithfully until it was no longer possible.

Bob and Toots were a great team with a marriage lasting almost 60 years. They shared a deep faith in God and love for family and friends. Bob had a beautiful singing voice that he used to serve God as a cantor, entertain his family, especially the grandchildren, and comfort Toots as her Alzheimer's progressed. Bob was an enthusiastic coach, avid gardener, sports fan and gracious host who loved to show off his skills at the grill. He was a great inspiration to his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and god children. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Bob is survived by his wife, Theresa; his children, Mary Bergs, John (Kathy) Bergs, Dr. Joseph (Carrie) Bergs, Carol (James) Jilek; his grandchildren, Laura and Vicki Bergs, Teddy and Matthew Bergs, Elizabeth and Kenny Jilek; sisters, Mildred Brill, Viola Godina; brother Victor Bergs; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wilfred Bergs; and a sister, Bernice Bergs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., on  Wednesday, December 7, 2011, at 10 a.m. with Reverend Kevin Mullins OSA officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to St. Rita Parish, Racine, Our Lady of Good Hope Parish, Milwaukee, or Bay Point Assisted Living.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bay Point and Hospice Alliance for their friendly and compassionate care. 
 
MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888

Elizabeth 'Liz' E. (Maier) Lechner

Elizabeth “Liz” E. Lechner, age 64, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2011, at Manor Care, Kenosha, WI. Liz was born in Racine, February 24, 1947, daughter of the late Henry and Olive (Nee: Mandernach) Maier.

On April 16, 1966, she was united in marriage to Clarence J. Lechner. Liz was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and former member of St. Louis Catholic Church. One of her favorite pastimes was creating beautiful ceramic pieces. She was loved dearly and will be sadly missed.

Survivors include her husband, Clarence; her sons, Clarence (Lucy) Lechner Jr., Craig (Rhonda) Lechner; brothers and sisters, Henry (Chris) Maier, Catherine (Thomas) Rolfson, Ginger (Daniel) Wanserski, Michael (Barbara) Maier, Joseph (Terri) Maier; sister-in-law, Diana Maier; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Curt T. Lechner; infant sister, Mary; and her brother, William.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, December 5, 2011, at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., with Rev. Ronald O. Crewe officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Monday from 4 p.m. until time of Mass at 6 p.m. Memorials to the Multiple Sclerosis Society have been suggested.

A special thank you to Hospice Alliance and to the entire staff at Manor Care in Kenosha especially Virginia Bruce for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Jeffrey E. Cikel

Jeffrey E. Cikel, age 61, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 1, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. Jeffrey was born in Racine on September 29, 1950, son of Emil and Edna (Nee: Nelson) Cikel.

He graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1968.”  Jeffrey enjoyed helping others and had last worked as a case worker at Safe Haven. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan who especially liked to root for the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed all kinds of music, from the Beatles and Grateful Dead to stuff his son would listen to, like Eminem and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Above all, it was his kids and grandkids that he loved best. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his children, Jennifer Cikel and Sean (Pamela) McFarlane; grandchildren, Maria “Doll Face” Rojas, Robert Matteo “Bobby da Bruiser” Rossmann, Tyler McFarlane, Sean Jeffrey “Junior” McFarlane, Silas J. McFarlane; his mother, Edna Cikel; loving sisters, Patricia Lock, Pamela (Douglas) Talbott, Karen (William) Spranger, Barbara Adrian; beloved nephew, Max Adrian; other nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Emil Cikel, this past May.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, December 10, 2011, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. followed by a time of remembering at 2 p.m. Interment will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Dover Monday, December 12, 2011, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family have been suggested.

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