Lloyd E. Wolfe, Jr.

Lloyd E. Wolfe, Jr., 80, passed away unexpectedly at WFH-All Saints Medical Center on Thursday, June 19, 2008.

A lifetime resident, Lloyd was born in Racine on July 1, 1927, to the late Lloyd E. and Elsie L. (nee: Kreuger) Wolfe, Sr. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1945. Lloyd bravely served our country with the United States Navy in WWII. Years later, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

On November 11, 1950, in Atonement Lutheran Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Dona J. Scurlock. His heart was broken when she passed away on September 16, 2005.

Lloyd was employed as a foreman with Motor Specialty, retiring after more than 20 years of service. He was a faithful member of Atonement Lutheran Church for nearly 60 years. Without a doubt, Lloyd’s top priority in life was his family. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. Lloyd cherished the summer family trips to St. Germain, an annual tradition that everyone looked forward to for the past 40 years. He was an accomplished musician and a phenomenal accordion player. For many years, his band “Lloyd Wolfe Quartet & Trio,” played in various communities throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. Passionate about his music, Lloyd co-owned and operated “Wolfe & Steuer Accordion House” where he taught private lessons. Lloyd was a devoted member of the Racine Musicians Union. An avid sports fan, Lloyd liked to bowl and play softball. He was also a diehard Packers and Cubs fan. Above all, Lloyd loved and treasured being in the surroundings of his entire family.

Surviving are his children, Debra (Al) Braun of Palm Harbor, FL; William (Bridgette) Wolfe of Racine; Pamela (Gary) Peterson of Muskego and Thomas (fiancée, Janice Lojeski) Wolfe of Racine; grandchildren, Jacob, Zach and Hannah Braun; Danielle and Mitchell Wolfe; Samantha and Spencer Peterson; Joshua and Jordan Wolfe; sister-in-law, Sharon (Robert) Burns; special nieces, Dixie Burns and Wendy (Rich) Doerr; cousin, Richard Teskowski; and by other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to his parents and wife, Lloyd was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Gladys and Kenneth Scurlock.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2008, at 12 noon in Atonement Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave., with Rev. Dr. Warren D. Williams officiating. Entombment, with military honors, will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be held in the funeral home, 4600 County Line Rd., on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. and in the church on Thursday from 11-11:45 a.m. In memory of Lloyd, memorials to Atonement Lutheran Church have been suggested.

A sincere note of thanks to Dr. Robert Gullberg and Dr. Howard Short for all their years of compassionate care, friendship and support.

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory
4600 County Line Rd., Racine (262) 552-9000

Earrie Louise (Snyder) Easton

Earrie L. Easton, age 86, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at Aurora Medical Center. Earrie was born August 25, 1921, in Brandenburg County, Kentucky, daughter of the late Dave and Lula (Nee: Went) Snyder. She was united in marriage to Robert T. Easton who preceded her in death in 1984. Earrie devoted her life to her family and will be fondly remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Robert (Virginia) Easton of Cannelton, IN; her three grandchildren, Karen (Salvador) Anguiano, Janet (Joe) VanDerHoef, Robert Wayne (Kimberly) Easton, all of Racine; seven great-grandchildren, Amanda, Salvador Jr., Monica, Heather, Sheila, Megan, and Robert Thomas; 3 great-great grandchildren; brother, Kenneth Snyder of Van Bibber Lake, IN; sister-in-law, Gertrude Easton of Union Grove; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her four sisters, Sarah, Naomi, Violet, and Mildred.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, June 21, 2008, at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until time of service.

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

Vannio R. Salerno

Vannio R. Salerno, age 79, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at his residence. Vannio was born in Racine, September 1, 1928, son of the late Emil H. and Eleanora (Nee: Vitelli) Salerno.

On August 2, 2002, in Waukegan, IL, he was united in marriage to Joyce M. Skrzypchak. Vannio was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. Vannio owned and operated Shorecrest Liquors for thirty-one years. He was a member of Roma Lodge and proud of his Italian Heritage. He enjoyed time spent with his breakfast buddies at George Webb. He will be missed by his cats, Simeon and Sweetie Boy. Above all Vannio was a great family man who will be fondly remembered for his generosity and huge heart. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; his children, Darrell (Joy) Salerno, Victoria (Albert) Kosterman, Vondell (Michael) Szymandera, Vannio (Carlana) Salerno, all of Racine; his grandchildren, Marissa and Erin Salerno, Ryan, Christopher, and Tiffany Kosterman, Troy and Leah Szymandera, Zakk Salerno; his great-grandson, Hunter Vannio Kosterman; sister, Gloria Salerno Flynn of Racine; two nephews, Mark Flynn, Steven (Kelly) Flynn; dear friend and mother of his children, Margaret Salerno; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Lee Flynn.

Funeral services will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 1015 Four Mile Road, Friday, June 20, 2008, at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Carol Baumgartner officiating. Entombment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Thursday from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. and at the church on Friday from 12:30 P.M. until time of service. Memorials to St. Andrew Lutheran Church or Hospice Alliance have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Michael Mullane and Oncology Alliance for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Bruce G. Goetzinger

Bruce G. Goetzinger, age 52, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. Bruce was born in Racine, July 1, 1955, son of Gerald L. and Annamae M. (Nee: Hattery) Goetzinger.

Bruce was a graduate of Washington Park High School “Class of 1973” and attended Gateway Technical College. Bruce was employed by Western Publishing for twenty-nine years. He was baptized at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and confirmed at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. He was currently a member of the Salvation Army and a member of the Worship Team. Bruce enjoyed reading, singing, and was an avid Ham Radio operator “Silent Key KB9QZR.” Above all he treasured time spent will his family and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his soulmate of 17-1/2 years, Tammy Gardner; his two daughters, Debra Mercer, Nancy Gardner; his parents, Gerry and Mae Goetzinger of Wheeler, WI; brother, Keith (Nora) Goetzinger of Tahoka, TX; two sisters, Betty Nicholson of Zion, IL, Diane (Tim) Olmstead of Racine; nieces and nephews, Jennifer, Joe, Nick, Tim II, and Crystal; other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Steve Nicholson.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Monday, June 23, 2008, 11:00 A.M. with Major Robert Edmonds officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. and Monday from 10:30 A.M. until time of service. Memorials to the family have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to All Saints Cardiac Unit, Wheaton Franciscan Hospice, and to Major Bob and Kathy Edmonds for their loving and compassionate support during this difficult time.

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

Jean C. (Danhauser) Twombly

Jean C. Twombly, age 90, passed away Monday, June 16, 2008, at her residence. Jean was born in Racine, daughter of the late Henry and Frances (Nee: Gilday) Danhauser.

Jean was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1936.” On October 21, 1944, at St. Joseph Catholic Church she was united in marriage to Willard H. Twombly who preceded her in death, December 27,1994. Jean was a longtime active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and belonged to the Christian Mothers Mission Circle. She dedicated her life to her family and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her children, Marilyn Twombly, Daniel (Ursula) Twombly, all of Wauwatosa, WI, Judith (Thomas) Goepel of New Brighton, MN, Margaret (Thomas) Balke of New Berlin, WI; her grandchildren, Lindsay (Ryan) Elsner, Tracy Goepel, Allison Balke, Stephanie Balke, David Balke; her great-granddaughter, Keeley; sister, Gertrude Zeman of New Berlin, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by three sisters, Loretta Drewek, Josephine Trinkner, Margaret Brown; and two brothers, Frederick and James Danhauser.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Avenue, Friday, June 20, 2008, 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Ronald O. Crewe officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Friday from 9:00 A.M. until 10:15 A.M. Memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or to the Linden Grove Foundation have been suggested.

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

Carol Joan (Ernst) Collins

Carol Joan Collins (nee: Ernst), age 79, left this earth Sunday, June 15, 2008, to go to heaven and join her husband John, who passed away one week earlier. Carol was born in Racine on May 30, 1929, daughter of the late Hugo and Mabel (nee: Nearing) Ernst and had been a lifelong resident.

On July 20, 1957, she was united in marriage to John E. Collins and together shared fifty one beautiful years. In her earlier years Carol was employed with Osters Mfg. and last worked with Jacobsen Textron until her retirement in 1985. She was an avid fan of football and baseball and enjoyed testing lady luck with dog racing, horse racing and the lottery. Carol will be best remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother.

Survivors include her sons, Michael (Judy) Obuchowski, David (Kathie) Obuchowski; grandchildren, Renee (Arlie) Heider, Norma (Tim) Toutant, Richard (MaryBeth) Obuchowski, Michael Obuchowski, Nicole Obuchowski; 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, Sharon Aukland; sister-in-law, Jane Weise; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her husband and her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her great granddaughter, Tia Heider, great grandson, Travis Toutant; brother, Glenn Ernst; sister, Lois Reading; sisters-in-law, Mary Collins, Geraldine Zuehlke, Bertie Collins; brothers-in-law, Orville Aukland, Herman Reading, Robert Weise, Alexander Zuehlke, Dr. Charles Collins.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 10:30 A.M. Interment 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.

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

Lucille O. Lofty

Lucille Olga Lofty, 93, passed away at the Becker-Shoop Center on Saturday, June 14, 2008.

Lucille was born in Chicago, IL on February 15, 1915, to the late Hjalmar and Olga (nee: Gustafson) Lange. On August 28, 1943, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Alex (“Al”) Lofty, who preceded her in death on January 26, 1975.

Lucille lived most of her life in the Chicago area until retiring to Brooksville, Florida in August 1981. She came to Racine in 2003 to be near her family. She had been employed by Allstate Insurance as an office administrator for over 25 years.

While in Florida, Lucille was a member of Christ Lutheran Church of Brooksville. When she moved to Racine, she joined Grace Lutheran Church. During her lifetime, she was a tireless volunteer at the Brooksville Regional Hospital, from which she received her 20-Year pin. She remained active well into her 80’s, regularly participating in line dancing classes and the Sons of Norway bowling league.

But the surprise to all who knew her in Illinois was that Lucille Lofty carried a hidden passion for travel. Until 1976, she had never been outside the continental United States. That year, she signed up for a group trip to Hawaii. That was the beginning of 19 trips to six continents, including Egypt, where she sat on a camel in front of the Great Pyramids. One of her favorite trips was a photo-safari to Kenya, where she took a very close-up picture of a lion! In October, 1998, at the age of 83, she walked the Great Wall of China and saw the Three Rivers Gorge the year before it was flooded by a dam.

Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Mary Lofty of Racine; grandchildren, Karen (Joseph) Lofty Eaton of Merrimack, NH; and Alex Lofty of Knoxville, TN; great-grandson, Thomas James Eaton; special nephew, Dion (Lottie) Luper; and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lucille was preceded in death in 1976 by her sister, Ethel (Frank) Luper.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 19, 2008, at 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Randal A. Poppe officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Private interment will take place at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Chicago on Friday. In memory of Lucille, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association have been suggested.

A special note of thanks to the entire staff at Harmony Assisted Living Center for the work they did to make Lucille feel comfortable in her new home in Wisconsin and to the staff of Becker-Shoop for the compassionate care they gave during her last few months.

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