Lydia (Madsen) Schilke

Lydia Schilke, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center.    Lydia was born in Racine on June 5, 1918, daughter of the late John and Rose (Nee:  Miller) Madsen.

She graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1936.”  On September 21, 1940, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church rectory she was united in marriage to Herman Schilke, who preceded her in death, March 8, 2003.  In her younger years Lydia was employed at Kranz Paper Company for six years as a billing clerk, then as a bookkeeper, and was also a dental assistant for Dr. Gordon Iverson.  She was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church.  Lydia was an avid golfer for forty years and golfed and bowled with the Golferettes.  She loved traveling and dancing with her husband, Herman.  She was a wonderful caregiver to her parents, children, husband, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Her family was very dear to her and she was so very proud of them all.  She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her son, Thomas (Kaycee) Schilke of Missoula, MT; her six grandchildren, Peter (Tori) Schilke of Anchorage, AK, Aaron (Laura) Schilke of  Bozeman, MT, Christy Schilke, James Schilke, both of Missoula, MT, Thomas (Anne) Eickner, Mark Eickner, all of Racine; her nine great-grandchildren, Noah, Taylor, Kinsey and Tristan, Ethan and Ella, Caillie, Laura and T.J.; niece, Kathy Kupper; nephew, John Madsen; other relatives and many dear friends.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter and son-in-law, Jane (Tim) Eickner; brother, Neils (Frances) Madsen; and niece, Gail Madsen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday on February 22, 2013, at 11 a.m. at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  Private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. Memorials to St. Lucy Catholic Church or St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff at Wheaton Franciscan and  the Hospice team, as well as her special caregivers at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center for  their tender and considerate care.  Special thanks to the Meredith family for their friendship and  care throughout the years.

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