Joseph F. Gedemer III

Joseph F. Gedemer III, spent his last days at the Hospice Alliance Hospice House. He passed away peacefully on Monday June 23, 2008, at the age of 85. He was born in Racine on August 3, 1922, the son of the late Joseph F. and Josephine (nee: Scheible) Gedemer Jr.

Joe joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and went on to serve his country with the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Shortly after returning he met Annella “Nell” Horton and they were united in marriage on June 14, 1947, in St. Mary Catholic Church.

Joe had been employed by Walker Mfg. for over 40 years until his retirement. He and his wife Nell spent many years designing, creating, and selling floral picture frames and center pieces under their business name of Woodland Wilds by JoNel.

Joe was a longtime member of St. Lucy Catholic Church, the American Legion, and V.F.W. Post 1391. He enjoyed many activities in life. Joe and Nell were avid square dancers when first married. They loved to dance. He also enjoyed the outdoors, golfing and biking, and playing cribbage; but his greatest love was the time spent with his family and friends.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 61 years, Nell; their 3 daughters, Lynn Ann (Eugene) Williams of Waukesha, Carol Jean (Perry) Nordness of Minocqua, and Jacqueline (Tom) Tessmer of Racine; 6 grandchildren, Lauren Tessmer, Sara Tessmer, Jason (Betsy) Williams, Christopher (Katrina) Williams, Bradley (Mandy) Williams, and Ryan Williams; 2 great grandchildren, Abigail and Alexander Williams; 2 sisters, Marion Gedemer of Rowland Heights, CA, and LaVerne Horton of Racine; sister-in-law Betty Gedemer of Racine. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends further survive him. In addition to his parents Joe was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Norbert, Richard, Eugene, Marvin, Jerome Gedemer, Catherine Pekar, Evelyn Hettig, Virginia Gedemer and Ottillia Ruelle.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 30, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and in the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the mass. Entombment, with full military honors, will be in Calvary Cemetery Garden Crypts. The family has suggested memorials to the Oncology Alliance Philanthropic Foundation.

The family wishes to especially thank Dr. Michael Mullane and his staff for their compassionate care in helping them through the many stages of Joe’s cancer. They would also like to thank the lay ministers of St. Anne Parish, Pleasant Prairie, for their support.

DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY
4600 County Line Rd., Racine (262) 552-9000

Julio Jaramillo

Julio Jaramillo, 31, passed away at his home on Sunday morning, June 22, 2008.

Julio Jaramillo was born in Racine to Juan and Juanita (nee: Martinez) Jaramillo on March 22, 1977, and had lived in Racine all his life. In Racine, he was united in marriage to Julissa Gutierrez on January 27, 1996.

Mr. Jaramillo was a member of Cristo Rey Catholic Church. He was employed by Grove Gear for the past 5 years.

Julio was a very happy and enjoyable person. He always was a jokester. He was the baby of five siblings and he was always the favorite uncle because he was still young at heart. Julio was very loyal to his family and friends. He was a very responsible and dedicated father, a perfect dad. His children meant the world to him. He loved his children and cared much for his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially during family gatherings and family sporting events.

Julio is survived by his wife Julissa; his five children, Taliah, Maya, Jaydon, Nallely and Elianna; his parents, Juan and Juanita Jaramillo; his mother-in-law, Socorro (Rafael) Santillan; his father-in-law, Silverio Gutierrez Sr.; three sisters, Virginia (Steve) Krueger, Yecenia (Javier) Ortega, and Letisia (Jesse) Morones; one brother, Juan J. Jaramillo “J.J.”; six sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law, Erika Gutierrez, Vanessa Gutierrez, Silverio Gutierrez Jr., Javier (Lourdes) Gutierrez, Norma Gutierrez, Sendi (Jose) Contreras, and Maria (John) Escobar; 14 nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Jose Ricardo Rico.

Relatives and friends may meet with the family for visitation at the Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday morning, June 26, 2008, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Private services for the family only will follow. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

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

Travis A. Bestwick

Kenosha - Travis Austin Bestwick, 25, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2008, at 8:08 a.m. in Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident that occurred early Sunday morning in Kenosha.

Travis was born on May 29, 1983, in Baraboo, WI, to Rick Bestwick and Nanci Hulchiy. He lived most of his life in Lake County, Illinois, until moving to Kenosha 5 years ago. Travis was employed as an extremely knowledgeable customer service specialist for Argus Wireless in Zion, IL.

Travis definitely lived life to the fullest. He was a fanatic about riding motorcycles, four-wheelers and snowmobiles - though his deepest passion was for racing his “Green Machine” car. Above all, Travis was happiest when in the surroundings of his family and friends. He loved to spend time with his “Princess” Arianna and his “little buddy” Jordynn.

Surviving are his parents, Rick and Nanci Bestwick of Kenosha; sister, Shawna Bestwick; niece, Arianna; nephew, Jordynn; aunts, Judy (Michael) Guzoldo, Diane (Robert) Motyka, Marybeth (Michael) Madry, Kileen (Louie) Koutromanos and Peggy (Scott) Smith; uncles, Stewart (Marjorie) Bestwick, Jack (Verna) Bestwick, David (Lyla) Orrico; Michael, William and John Hulchiy; and the love of his life, Dana Neises. Travis is further survived by many other aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends too numerous to mention by name.

Travis was preceded in death by his grandparents, Michael Hulchiy, Dorothy Hulchiy, Lester Bestwick, Charles Orrico, Lorraine Orrico-Pattee and Bill Pattee; uncle, Robert Hulchiy; and very dear cousin, Michael Madry.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, June 26, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. with Rev. Jeffrey M. Thielen officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4-7:30 p.m. All are invited to return to the funeral home on Friday beginning at 1:30 p.m. for the procession that will leave for Sunset Ridge Memorial Park at 2:00 p.m.

A heartfelt note of thanks to all the first responders of Kenosha Police and Fire; Flight-For-Life; and Froedtert Hospital for trying to save our beloved Travis. May God bless all of you!

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

Joseph 'Joe' L. Jager

Joseph L. Jager, age 77, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2008, at Ridgewood Care Center. Joseph was born in Racine, June 26, 1930, son of the late Matt and Milka (Nee: Crnkovic) Jager and was a lifelong resident of Racine.

Joe was a graduate of William Horlick High School “Class of 1948.” On May 10, 1952, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, he married Jacqueline Violet Price, who preceded him in death January 25, 1998. Joe was an active member of the Racine County Democratic Party. He was elected and served as County Supervisor for three terms. He was employed with the JI Case Company where he served as a committee man and union steward. He was a member of their 20-Year Club and the Local 180 Retirees Club. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Holy Name Society, serving as their treasurer for over thirty years. Joe was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree serving as Faithful Navigator for two terms, member of the Optimist Club, Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Croatian Fraternal Union. He was a lifelong devoted Cubs fan and Bears fan. Joe was an avid bowler and was proud to have scored a perfect 300 game. One could regularly find Joe at Totero’s Restaurant where he became a fixture. Above all, he dedicated his life to his family and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his daughters, JoAnn Stasiewicz of Milwaukee, Jeanne (Michael) Simmons of Racine; his grandchildren, Jason Stasiewicz, Ryan Stasiewicz, Jessica (John) Knue, Matthew Simmons; his great-grandchildren, Allison Knue, Gregory Knue, Izabelle Stasiewicz; sister, Janice Rose Cekan of Racine; sister-in-law, Carol Waters of Rockford, IL; cousins, Luke (Sandy) Kozich of Racine, Drago (Sandy) Andricevic of Racine; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and his wife, Jacqueline, Joe was also preceded in death by his infant daughter, Margaret Mary Jager, and by his brother, Thomas Jager.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave, Monday June 30, 2008, 6:30 p.m. Private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church from 4:00 p.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Church Street Station P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780 have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Ridgewood Care Center for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Betty H. (Becker) Berggren

Betty H. Berggren departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 21, 2008, at the age of 83.

She was the daughter of the late Rudolph and Natalie (Nee: Montag) Becker. Betty was born in Racine on January 30, 1925, and was a lifelong resident of Racine.

Betty graduated from Park High School in 1943 and Dominican College in 1958. She earned Master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Cardinal Stritch. In 1985 Betty was named Special Services Teacher of the Year. She retired from Racine Unified School District in 1987 after thirty years of service.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Jayme Berggren of New Berlin, WI; her grandchildren, Kyle and Joy; other loving relatives and cherished friends. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at the Racine Assembly of God Church, 1325 Airline Road, Friday, June 27, 2008, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Chris Fuchs officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. and Friday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until time of service. Memorials in memory of Betty Berggren may be made to the church or to the Salvation Army.

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

Ella E. Lettsome

Mrs. Ella E. Lettsome, 104, passed away at Washington Manor on Saturday, June 21, 2008. She was born in Kenosha on December 1, 1903, to the late Samuel and Julia (nee: Lehman) Raiman. On November 25, 1925 she married William Lettsome and moved to Racine. He preceded her in death on February 7, 1991.

Mrs. Lettsome worked at Eagle Luggage for many years where she made instrument cases. She was a longtime member of Atonement Lutheran Church where she also belonged to Senior Citizens at Atonement. Mrs. Lettsome enjoyed her time doing arts and crafts. However, she was happiest when she was in the surroundings of her family.

Her survivors include her daughters, Bonne (Gerhardt) Knop of Racine, Barbara (James) Healy of Green Bay; her grandchildren, Theresa (James) Halkowitz, Todd (Sybil) Knop both of Racine, Erin (Mark) Riley of Kenosha, Laura (David) Dudley of Mooresville, NC, Colleen (Steven) Ruff of Scottsdale AZ; her great grandchildren, Matthew Halkowitz, Abby Knop, Anna Knop, Sean Riley, Shannon Riley, Patrick Riley, Casey Dudley, Mac Dudley, Alison Ruff, Lauren Ruff; her great-great granddaughter, Maliah Halkowitz; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Clara (Harold) Larson; brothers, Elmer (Elsie) Raiman, Gordon (Dorothy) Raiman; brother-in-law, Edwin (Iva) Lettsome and her niece, Dorothy Lettsome.

Her life and funeral service will be celebrated in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, June 27, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Warren D. Williams officiating. A private burial will take place in Mound Cemetery. There will be a visitation in the funeral home on Friday from 10-11 a.m. Memorials in Mrs. Lettsome’s name have been suggested to Atonement Lutheran Church.

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

Donald R. Dobrowski

Donald R. Dobrowski, age 69, passed away peacefully Friday, June 20, 2008, at his residence surrounded by the love of his family.

Donald was born in Racine, November 1, 1938, the son of Walter and Martha Alice (Nee: Mayland) Dobrowski. On June 11, 1960, at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Gloria A. Desens.

Donald was employed by the City of Racine for 30 years, retiring in 1994. He was a member of Local 67 and the City of Racine Twenty Year Club. Prior to working for the city, he worked at Pugh Marina for 15 years, refinishing boats. He was a lifetime member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church where he loved taking pictures. Donald enjoyed swimming at the DeKoven Center with the Aquasize Class. He always looked forward to going to McDonald’s to have coffee with his buddies. His hobbies included restoring antique cars, collecting old pictures, A & W memorabilia, baseball caps and old coins. Most of all he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with his family at his cottage up north in Coloma and going to the casino. Donald was strong and determined with a positive attitude and had a great sense of humor until the end. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his loving wife of 48 years, Gloria; 3 children, Ronald (Shelli) Dobrowski and grandchildren, Brittany, Brandon, and Brett; Sharon (Jim) Ayotte; David (Patty) Dobrowski and grandchildren Autumn and Erena; his brother, Walter Dobrowski of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; brother-in-law, Wayne Desens of Menomonee Falls, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters-in-law, Pat Desens, and Joan Dobrowski.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at 10 A.M. at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, 2000 W. 6th Street, with Reverend Jeff Barrows officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Tuesday at the funeral home from 4-7 P.M. and Wednesday at the church 9:30 A.M. until time of service. Memorials to the Holy Communion Lutheran Church Capital Fund have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all for your prayers and concerns during this difficult time.

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