James F. Ruppel

James F. Ruppel, 74, passed away at his Racine residence on Monday, June 9, 2008, with his family at his side. Jim was born in Kohler, WI, on February 5, 1934, the son of the late Henry and Mary (nee: Rocki) Ruppel.

Jim served his country with the U.S. Navy. On August 9, 1958, in Holy Name Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to the former Patricia Ann Sweeti. Jim had been employed by Eaton Manufacturing from 1965 until 1994. He was an avid bowler; and served as the league secretary for many years. Jim was a die-hard Cubs fan.

Surviving are his wife Patricia; their children, Ann (Derick) Perry,Judy Ruppel, Kathleen (Kenneth) Schwartz and James J. (Christine) Ruppel all of Racine; 8 grandchildren, Justin, Terra, Samantha, Anissa, David, Stephanie, Michael, and Jessica; 4 great grandchildren Keeyon, Justin Jr., Jaiden, and Amyah. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends further survive him. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Henry and sister Delores Ruppel.

His Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, June 12th at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on, from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. Private burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. The family has suggested memorials to Froedtert Lutheran Memorial Hospital, Hospice Alliance or St. Lucy Catholic Church.

DRAEGER LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY
4600 County Line Rd., Racine 552-9000

Lucille Mary Schram

Lucille Mary Schram, 86, passed away at WFH-All Saints Medical Center on Monday, June 9, 2008.

Lucille was born in Racine on November 19, 1921, to the late Louis and Marion (nee: McPherson) Olley. On July 5, 1939, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Harold T. Schram Sr., who preceded her in death on March 2, 1992.

A devoted and tireless homemaker, Lucille always placed her family as priority one in life. With a profound Catholic faith and good old-fashioned values, she was a longtime member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church until its closure in 1997. She is now a member of St. Joseph Parish. Lucille enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and reading. Above all, she loved and cherished being in the surroundings of her entire family.

Surviving are her son, Harold T. Schram, Jr.; daughter, Mary Ann Bayer, both of Racine; grandchildren, Lynn (Mike) Rodriguez, Mark (Vicki) Schram, Michelle (Robert) Kovac, Michael (Carrie) Schram, George (Mary) Schram, Christopher (Lynn) Schram, Michael Bayer and Paul Bayer; 13 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Sharon) Olley; sisters-in-law, Helen Olley and Christine Noto; and many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lucille was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Charles Bayer, on August 19, 2003; brothers, Robert, Alan and Milton Olley; sisters, Margie (Jerome) Leisner and Jeanette (Joseph) Ryddner; and brothers-in-law, Joe Schram and Sam Noto.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Monday, June 16, 2008, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, with Rev. John D. Aiello officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 9-10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church has been suggested.

A special note of thanks to Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital (3rd Floor) and Hospice; and to Dr. Thomas Goodrich for the compassionate end-of-life care and support that was so tenderly given. God bless all of you!

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory
4600 County Line Rd., Racine 552-9000

Richard A. Bennett

Richard A. Bennett, age 50, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2008, at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints.

He was born in Racine, May 19, 1958, son of Robert and Margaret (Nee: Hain) Bennett. On October 1, 1983 he was united in marriage to Michele C. Helland. He was employed by Hudapack in Franklin, WI, for many years. Above all he was a loving and devoted husband and father who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Michele; his two children, Alicia Bennett, Kyle Bennett; brothers, Bill Bennett, David Bennett, Michael (Debbie) Bennett; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, June 13, 2008, 11:00 A.M. Interment will be held at Mound Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until time of service.

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

John E. Collins

John E. Collins, age 80, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2008, at the Kindred Hospital, Milwaukee, WI. John was born in Glendale, WI, December 8, 1927, son of the late Charles J. and Mary Catherine “Mae” (Nee: Mohns) Collins.

John served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. On July 20, 1957, he was united in marriage to Carol J. Ernst. He was employed by Osters and retired from J.I. Case Company after over twenty years of service. He was a member of the J.I. Case Company “20 Year Club.” John was an avid sportsman who also enjoyed hunting, playing cards and slots. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; his stepsons, Michael (Judy) Obuchowski, David (Kathie) Obuchowski; his grandchildren, Renee (Arlie) Heider, Norma (Tim) Toutant, Richard (MaryBeth) Obuchowski, Michael Obuchowski, Nicole Obuchowski; his great-grandchildren, Anthony (Lisa) Heider, Danny Obuchowski, Richard Obuchowski, Kaitlyn Obuchowski, Tiffany Obuchowski; step great-grandchildren, Nicholas Toutant, Dustin Toutant; great-great grandchildren, Angelis Heider, Kimberlynn Heider; sister, Jane Weise; sister-in-law, Sharon Aukland; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his great granddaughter, Tia Heider; brother, Doctor Charles Collins; sisters, Mary Collins, Geraldine Zuehlke; sisters-in-law, Lois Reading, Bertie Collins; brothers-in-law, Orville Aukland, Herman Reading, Glenn Ernst, Robert Weise, and Alexander Zuehlke.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 10:30 A.M. 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 at the funeral home on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. until time of service. Memorials to the Alano Club, 1140 Douglas Ave Racine, WI 53402 have been suggested.

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

Leonard Kenneth 'Kenny' Nelson

L. Kenneth Nelson, age 75, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2008, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints. Kenny was born in Racine, November 9, 1932, son of the late Carl L. and Agnes M. (Nee: Wasquite) Nelson.

Kenny was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1952.” He proudly served in the United States Army. Kenny was employed by In-Sink-Erator for more than forty years, retiring September 30, 1993, and belonged to their “10 Year Club.” He was an avid Packer fan who also enjoyed bowling, fishing, card playing, and cribbage. He treasured time spent with his family at Silver Lake. He will be deeply missed by his family and many dear friends.

Survivors include his dear and special life companion, Lois Kilby (Nee: Kammerait); his daughters, Joyce Rinta, Jean Kilby; his grandson, Tyler Rinta; his great-grandson, Reed Rinta; sisters, Ruth Garski, Marge (Joe) Jurik; brothers, Joe Nelson, Michael Nelson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, John Rinta; brothers, Carl R. (Hildegard) Nelson, James Arlington, Raymond J. Nelson; sister-in-law, Judy Nelson; brother-in-law, Chester Garski.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, June 12, 2008, 11:30 a.m. with Allen Bratkowski officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

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

Rosemary (Foley) Stopar

Rosemary Stopar, age 86, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008, at Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center, West Bend, WI. Rosemary was born in Racine, September 5, 1921, daughter of the late Jerome and Rose (Nee: Welden) Foley.

On September 6, 1958, she was united in marriage to Albert Stopar who preceded her in death, February 3, 2005. Prior to her marriage she was employed by Western Publishing in the Editorial Department. Rosemary was a graduate of Marquette University.

Survivors include her sisters and brothers, Margaret Culotta, Edmund (Patricia) Foley, John (Karolyn) Foley; sister-in-law, Ruth Foley; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerome Foley; and brother-in-law, Frank Culotta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, Wednesday, June 11, 2008, 10:30 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 church on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. until time of Mass. Memorials to the Arthritis Foundation, Wisconsin Chapter, 1650 South 108th St., West Allis, WI 53214 or to the Cedar Community Foundation, 113 Cedar Ridge Drive, West Bend, WI 53095 in memory of Rosemary would be appreciated.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Cedar Community for the loving care shown Rosemary during her residence.

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

Joyce Ann Firchow

Joyce Ann Firchow, 61, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008, following a brief, but courageous fight against cancer. She was born in Racine on February 11, 1947, daughter of the late James "Bud" and Mary Ann (nee: Judicki) Petersen. On December 27, 1969, she was married to Thomas Firchow in St. Casimir Catholic Church.

Joyce's career in education included 14 years teaching the 5th grade within the Racine Unified School District and 10 years as an ESL teacher at The Prairie School. Her hobbies included needlepoint, counted cross stitch and latch hooking. Many of her craft projects were given as gifts. Joyce also enjoyed decorating her house inside and out, creating memorable meals, baking cookies, reading, and attending theater and musical events. She took great pride in organizing and hosting family gatherings. Joyce’s greatest love was spending time with her family, and she was a wonderful wife, mother and friend.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Thomas; their children, Kevin (Sarah) Firchow of Madison and Steven Firchow of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; brothers, Ron (Sherry) Petersen of Escondido, California and Daniel Petersen of Waukesha; brother-in-law, James (Myla) Firchow of Kenosha; nieces and nephews, Chad Petersen, Shelly Petersen, Anna (Kip) Stearns, Emily Petersen, and Joel (Anja) Firchow; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2008, at St. Mary's by the Lake Catholic Church with Rev. Steve Stradinger officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia. Visitation will begin at the church at 9:30 a.m. Memorials to St. Mary's by the Lake Catholic Church have been suggested.

DRAEGER LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY
4600 County Line Rd., Racine 552-9000