Yolanda Pierangeli

Yolanda (nee: Aiello) Pierangeli, 87, passed away at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center on Wednesday, August 20, 2008.

A lifetime resident, Yolanda was born on October 22, 1920, to the late Salvatore and Palma (nee: Molinaro) Aiello. A talented athlete in high school, she graduated from Washington Park in 1939. On November 16, 1940, in St. Lucy Catholic Church, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Philip Pierangeli, who preceded her in death on November 5, 2006.

A tremendously devoted and tireless homemaker, Yolanda (affectionately called “Yo” by her friends) also had worked for Jacobsen Mfg.; Massey-Harris; and for her nephew, Gene Perrelle, at Personnel Inc. Yolanda was a lifetime member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. She was also active with Knights of Columbus Council #697– Ladies of Columbus; Vittoria Colonna of Roma Lodge; enjoyed bowling and golfing in various leagues, playing cards, reading and, especially, loved ballroom dancing with her beloved Philip.

Surviving are her children, Barbara Grabow of Monroe; Philip A. (Mary) Pierangeli of California; and Dr. Gregory T. Pierangeli of Racine; grandchildren, Barry (Cindy) Grabow; Dina Ortiz; Anthony (Cheryl) and Joseph Pierangeli; Alyssa and Jonathan Pierangeli; great-grandchildren, Paul and Tony Grabow; Vincent and Dominic Ortiz; and Nico Pierangeli; sisters-in-law, Irma (Paul) Ferraro, Viola and Frances Pierangeli; and Carmelina Aiello; extended family members, Edward Grabow, Brenda Pierangeli and Pedro Ortiz; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to her parents and husband, Yolanda was preceded in death by her brothers, Tom (Joyce), Frank (Lucille), Justy, and Warren (Mary) Aiello; sisters, Edith (Chester) Perrelle, Carmella (Arthur) Greco and Mary (Charles) Ruffalo; sister-in-law, Cleo (Pio) Renzoni; and brothers-in-law, Gino (Lorraine), Dino, and Eligio Pierangeli.

In accordance with Yolanda’s wishes, funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Monday, August 25, 2008, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Following the cemetery service, all are invited to join the family for a luncheon, to continue celebrating Yolanda’s life, which will be served at Roma Lodge at 1 p.m. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 9-10 a.m. In memory of Yo, memorials to Ladies of Columbus or Vittoria Colonna have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Lincoln Village, Home Harbor, Ridgewood Care Center, Hospice Alliance and Dr. Gerald Wisniewski for the compassionate care and support that was so warmly extended to Mom over the past few years. God bless all of you!

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

Laverne E. 'Grandma Happy' Sokolowski

Laverne E. (Mroch) Sokolowski, who was known as “Grandma Happy,” passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2008, at the age of 93 at Ridgewood Care Center with her loving family by her side.

Laverne was born on May 20, 1915, in Racine to Charles and Laura (nee: Krueger) Mroch. After her father’s death at a young age her mother married her stepfather, John Levandowsky. Laverne attended schools in Racine and graduated from Horlick High School in 1933. She earned three “R” letters in sports. Laverne loved watching basketball. She was honored by Jay Hammes, the Athletic Director, in 2004 with a plaque for attending more than 550 plus games over the last 55 years, out of town, in town semifinals games, and one state championship at Madison. Laverne especially enjoyed watching Horlick Football, seeing her only great grandson, Shaun LaFever, who played for Horlick. She was a true dedicated “Rebel” fan!!

Laverne was united in Marriage to Ignacious “Nick” P. Sokolowski on July 15, 1939. They were married 46 years at the time of his death in 1986. Laverne was employed by Western Printing for 20 years, retiring in 1976. Retirement couldn’t keep her home so she worked as a crossing guard, at Dania Hall for 17 years catering weddings and parties and at Dee Dee’s restaurant in the kitchen for 8 years. In her spare time she bowled, played cards with her friends in the Horlick K.I.T. Club from the class of '33, until her health deteriorated. She loved to dance, sew and knit as a hobby. She was also active in Kilties and Elks youth band. Most importantly she loved spending quality time with her family and friends.

Laverne is survived by her son, Ronald Sokolowski, Sr. and daughter in law, Judy Sokolowski; grandchildren, Laurie (Kevin) LaFever, Diana (Todd Bindel) Sokolowski, and Ronald Sokolowski, Jr.; great grandchildren, Shaun (Amber Friso) LaFever, Nicole and Taylor LaFever, Britney and Caitlin Bindel, whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by a sister in law, Lillian Sokolowski; a brother in law, Lenny Sokolowski; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her loving husband, parents, and stepfather, she was preceded in death by brothers in law and sisters in law.

Laverne wanted to say a special thanks to her dearest friend, Lillian Rondone, for always being there for her. Love Ya!!

Special thanks to Judy Sokolowski for going out of her way to help care for Laverne in any way that she could..

Thanks to all of the staff at Ridgewood and Odyssey Hospice for all the comfort and compassion given to Laverne and also to the LaFever Family for delivering health shakes and putting a smile on her face.

Memorials can be made to the family, the Horlick Basketball Athletic Fund, St. John’s Lutheran Church or one’s favorite charity.

Funeral Services for Laverne will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Daniel B. Quinn officiating. Interment will follow in Mound Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of services.

Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory
3915 Douglas Ave., Racine (262) 639-8000

Brother Andrew W. 'Tony' Tate

Milwaukee -- Brother Andrew W. “Tony” Tate, age 67, father of John and Rochell (Nee: Mullen) Tate went to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 19, 2008.

Funeral services will be held at Dominion Church of God M.P.G.T., 402 9th Street, Racine, on Saturday, August 30, 2008, at 1 p.m. Visitation at church on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

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

Emil C. Suma

Emil C. Suma, 91, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at Becker-Shoop Center. He was a lifelong resident of Racine, born on July 2, 1917, the son of Stanley and Mary (nee: Kolpecki) Suma.

On June 1, 1946, Emil was united in marriage to Mildred Jensen at their home. Twenty years later they renewed their vows at St. Edward Catholic Church. Emil attended St. John’s Catholic School in Racine and received his engineering degree from the University of Virginia. He proudly served in the United States Army and was the recipient of the Purple Heart. Emil had been employed at Greene Manufacturing, retiring after 45 years of service. He was an avid hunter and especially enjoyed deer hunting.

Surviving is his wife of 62 years, Mildred; nephew, Stanley (Barbara) Suma of Illinois; sister-in-law, Carol Gourlay of Racine; nephews, Ian (Amy) Gourlay of Union Grove and Gordon Gourlay of Racine; nieces, Heather Boye and Joan Paradiso both of Virginia Beach, VA. He is further survived by many great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends.

Emil was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Klema and Lillian Drozd; and a brother, Stanley Suma.

Funeral services will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Friday, August 22, 2008, at noon. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Friday before services from 10 a.m. until time of service.

Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine (262) 632-447

Ronald D. Tomaloff

Ronald D. Tomaloff, 61, died unexpectedly at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Wauwatosa on Tuesday, August 19, 2008.

A lifelong resident of Racine, he was born on February 21, 1947, to the late Stanley and Stella (nee: Jacukowicz) Tomaloff.

Ron worked for Case New Holland for over 32 years, last working on Monday.

An avid golfer, Ron could often be found spending his spring and summer days on the course. He also enjoyed his life as a grandfather. Ron attended St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and recently joined the Loyal Order of the Moose in Kenosha.

He is survived by loving wife of 20 years, Veronica “Roni” of Racine; his children, Michael (Amanda) Tomaloff of Madison, Christopher Tomaloff of Racine, Eric (Jody) Ambrose of Racine, Mindy (Mike) Ramig of Sturtevant; his grandchildren, Caleb and Brooke Ramig; mother-in-law, Helen Gill of Racine; nephew, David Tomaloff, and niece, Lisa Borgo.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his sister, Joannie Tomaloff; brother, Stan (Carol) Tomaloff and father-in-law, John Gill.

Family and friends are invited to meet at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, August 22, 2008, from 6-8 p.m. for a public visitation. The celebration of his life and Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. William Dietzler officiating. There will also be a visitation in the church on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia will follow the Mass.

Ron’s family wishes to thank the emergency physicians and staff at All Saints Medical Center and the Neuro I.C.U. at Froedtert Hospital for doing all they could to help Ron. Also, a special thank you to the Wisconsin Donor Network for giving the family an opportunity for Ron to be an organ donor.

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

Sophie A. (Cheske) Barlow

Sophie Ann Barlow (Nee: Cheske), age 84, passed peacefully at Autumn Home on Tuesday, August 19, 2008. Sophie was born in Racine on June 6, 1924, to William and Sophie (Nee: Muliarczuk) Cheske.

Sophie worked at Hamilton Beach, Motor Specialty and in 1991 retired from Webster Electric. She loved big band music, dancing and walking.

Surviving are her children, Cheri (Dave) Weber of Janesville, WI, Rick (Roxanne) Barlow, and Tommy Barlow, all of Racine; her six grandchildren, Diane Weber of Florida, Christopher (Sarah) Barlow, Jamie (Rachel) Barlow, Jessica Barlow, Jim (Danelle) Schultz, all of Racine, Angela (Brian) Messmer of Bismarck, ND; her 10 great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Cameron, Kenzie, Chase, Tyler, and Layton Barlow, Skylar and Payton Schultz, Natalia and Andrew Messmer; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers, William Cheske, Peter, Stephan, William, Stanley; and sister, Ann Boldus.

A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dino Galati officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of service.
The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thank you to Delilah and Dana Souter and the entire staff and residents at Autumn Home for the love, compassion and wonderful care our mom received while in their care. We were truly blessed to have fallen into your hands.

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

Edith G. Eckblad

Edith G. (nee: Berven) Eckblad, 85, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints.

She was born in Baltic, South Dakota, on April 14, 1923, the daughter of Leander G. ‘Lee’ and Louise M. (nee: Simonson) Berven. On June 9, 1943, Edith was united in marriage to Marshall Eckblad at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Racine. She was a member of Calvary Memorial Church and the National League of Pen Women.

Edith was the author of Kindness Is A Lot of Things, Soft As The Wind, Danny’s Orange Christmas Camel, Something For Jesus and other published children’s books. Edith also taught writing workshops at Gateway, was active in church visitation, and was an active member of the Women’s Club of Racine. In addition she was a volunteer at All Saints Gift Shop for many years.

Surviving are her children, Dr. Mark (Judith) Eckblad of Madison, Jonathan (Marjorie) Eckblad of Racine, Rev. James (Barbara) Eckblad of West Bend, Nancy (Michael) Petee of Miller Place, NY, and Peter (Sally) Eckblad of Racine; 12 grandchildren, Lisa (Ben) Jacobson, Charity (James) Chiappetta, Susanna Eckblad, Heidi (Robert) Peterson, Luke Eckblad, Marshall Eckblad, Michael Eckblad, Jack Eckblad, Peter Eckblad, Hilary Petee, Maxwell Petee and Elena Eckblad; 7 great-grandchildren, Quinn, Asher, Hazel, Isabella, Josephine, Leo and Bennett; sister, Leone (Nazareth) Gengozian of Oak Ridge, TN; sisters-in-law, Doris Eckblad of North Carolina and Margaret Eckblad of Winona, MN. Edith is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall, on April 18, 1996, and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at Calvary Memorial Church, 4001 Washington Ave., on Friday, August 22, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Richard Ferrell officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be a visitation at the church before services from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Memorials in memory of Edith to Calvary Memorial Church have been suggested.

Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine, (262)632-4479