Allan D. McInnis

Waukesha -- Allan D. McInnis, 68, formerly of Racine, passed away at Waukesha Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, December 2, 2008.

He was born in Ironwood, Michigan, on November 11, 1940, son of the late Chester R. and Mildred E. (nee: Bloomquist) McInnis.

Allan moved with his family to Milwaukee, WI, during WWII. After the war, the family relocated to Butternut, WI. Their next move was to Racine, WI. Allan lived in Racine for 36 years and attended Stephen Bull School. Allan moved with his loving parents after they retired to Lake VanZile, Leona, WI. They enjoyed many fun-filled years on the lake before Allan moved to live with his brother and his wife, Lee and Martha McInnis, in Waukesha. While living in Racine, Allan was a longtime member of Epiphany Lutheran Church and the Cerebral Palsy Club of Racine.

Allan leaves behind, to cherish his memory, devoted brothers and sister, Norman R. (Elaine) McInnis of Racine, WI, Lee F. (Martha) McInnis of Waukesha, WI, and Joan E. (Julius) Nagy of Sparks, NV; nieces and nephews, Gail (Jim) Whittier, Laura (John) Knoch, all of Racine, Kathryn (Steve) Kaplan of Oak Creek, Julie (George) Olesinski of Reno, NV, Twyla (Amador) DeLeon of Portland, TX, Todd (Wendy) McInnis of Watertown, WI, Christopher McInnis of New Orleans, LA and Joel (Donna) Nagy of Sparks, NV, and a longtime friend, Barbara Baars, of Racine. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins further survive him. His parents Chester and Mildred preceded him in death.

Allan’s funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Monday, December 8, at noon, with Rev. Thomas G. Kraus officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Committal Services will follow in the Chapel at West Lawn Memorial Park. The family has suggested memorials to Epiphany Lutheran Church, the Waukesha Bible Church, or the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

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

Elsie M. (Holbik) Roberts

Elsie M. Roberts, age 85, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2008, at Oakridge Care Center, Union Grove, WI. Elsie was born in Racine on December 20, 1922, daughter of the late John M. and Frances (Nee: Kovarik) Holbik.

Elsie was a graduate of William Horlick High School “Class of 1940.” On May 26, 1943, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church she was united in marriage to Thomas P. Roberts, who preceded her in death on July 1, 1984. In her younger years she was employed by the Telephone Company, J.I. Case Company, J.C. Penney and, last, by St. Luke’s Hospital for 25 years as clerk, retiring as Admitting Supervisor in 1986. Elsie was a longtime member of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church. She was very proud of her Czech heritage and was a member Wisconsin Czech Inc. and the Depression Glass Society. In her youth she also belonged to the Sokol Club.

Elsie had a deep love for God and her family. She had a charismatic personality. Elsie loved people and was kind and welcoming to everyone! She was described as being delightful, intelligent, and kind with a great sense of humor! Elsie was hardworking and had a strong constitution. Elsie had that “gleam” in her eye and even was somewhat mischievous! After she retired from St. Luke’s, her hobby was attending estate sales and buying antique glassware. She had an antique booth in the School Days Mall. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed fishing in Canada at her brother Walley’s resort and traveling with her family. More than anything, her devotion to her family will always be cherished as she will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her four children, Lynne M. (Robert) Malinoski of Neenah, WI, Thomas P. (Nancy) Roberts of Los Gatos, CA, Gay Gulbrandson of Kansasville, WI, Marlene J. (Mike)Holton of Wales, WI; her eight grandchildren, Dr. Peter (Pam) Malinoski, Mary (John) McCourt, Ann (Dr. John) McCarthy, Toni Roberts, Jon Gulbrandson, Kristin Gulbrandson, Matthew Holton, Ryan (Nicki) Holton; her eight great-grandchildren, Grace, John, Paul, Rose, and Marie Malinoski, Veronica and Ryan McCarthy, Madison Garces; sister, Rose Kandl of Racine; sister-in-law, Irene Holbik of Mohawk, MI; special cousins, Marie Batham, Frank Holbik, and Emily Trinka; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her brothers, Emil, Charles, John (Evelyne), Edward (Edith), Walter (Mary), and Frank; and by her sister, Helen Holbik.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 1903 Green Street, Saturday, December 6, 2008, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Richard Molter officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the funeral home from 4-7 p.m. (Prayer Service at 7 p.m.) and on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. A memorial fund has been setup for Elsie’s charities.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Emil Quadracci, Pastoral Associate of St. John Nepomuk, Thomas Goodrich M.D. and the staffs of Vitas Hospice and Oak Ridge Care Center for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Byron L. Heusdens

Byron L. Heusdens, 69, entered eternal life on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008. He was born in Racine, on Sept. 4, 1939, to the late Anthony and Eleanor Heusdens.

He was united in marriage to his most wonderful bride, Donna J. (Lambert) on August 29, 1987; he loved her dearly and passionately. Byron led a very full and active life and he loved to smile and laugh.

Byron was the lead singer, pedal steel guitar player and manager of the four-piece variety dance band the FANTASTICS since its founding in April 1963, performing for private parties and clubs between Chicago and Green Bay; and the lead singer in the '50s and '60s band No Illusions and Remember When. An actor and model for many years, he acted in six feature films, dozens of industrial films and television commercials; he modeled for numerous national and regional print ads with cover shots on many magazines.

He played several character parts in six live radio shows with the WGTD 91.1 Radio Players during the 2006-2007 seasons and in March 2007 had a leading role in the World Premiere of the play “And on the Eighth Day” in Chicago, IL. Byron also portrayed Abe Lincoln in print and film as well as “Lincoln Live” for many events, and was a member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters for over twenty years. He studied privately with voice teacher Arthur Jacobson for over twelve years.

He had the very fortunate opportunity to study three summers with Lee Strasberg of the Actors Studio. He played the lead in numerous Racine Theatre Guild productions and was a past board member and treasurer in the late 1960s. He was President/Secretary of Local 42, American Federation of Musicians, for many years and served on its executive board for years prior to being the Vice President and President/Secretary. Byron was an active board member of the Chicago Local of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) for many years and attended many conventions as an elected delegate.

He enjoyed boating on Lake Michigan for over forty years and was a member of all three yacht clubs at different times; a founding and charter member of the Racine Power Squadron; and earned his airplane pilot's license in 1976. Byron also enjoyed bowling and was the President of the Lutheran Men of America bowling league in Racine for over twelve years and a member for over twenty years. He was a member of the Racine Cable Commission, tirelessly working to bring Public Access Television to Racine (now CAR 25). He was the creator, producer and host of his own cablevision program “Talentscope” for over eight and a half years in Kenosha.

He was a graduate of the American College with a degree in business and worked toward communications degree at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Byron was the President of Altra Financial Consulting Service and also a marketing consultant to various Christian retirement communities in SE Wisconsin and the eastern United States. He was the first Executive Director of the Bay Pointe Assisted Living/Atrium campus. He was the Administrator of the first Health Maintenance Organization in Wisconsin, head-quartered in Milwaukee and was a member of the American Society of Medical Association Executives. Byron believed in Our Savior Jesus Christ and was always available to help his family, neighbors and friends. There is no question that he will be greatly missed by all those who loved him and laughed with him.

Byron is survived by his devoted wife, Donna; two brothers, Howard R. (Priscilla, deceased) Heusdens, Charles J. (Elaine) Heusdens and their daughter, Kathleen; Godchild Breeanne Heusdens (daughter of nephew Don (Angie) Heusdens and their daughter, Kaylin; sister-in-law Linda Michalski, Wausau, WI, Judy (Dave) Chicka, El Paso, TX, and Edie (Paul, deceased) Mueller, Waukesha; mother-in-law Myrtle Lambert; and other nieces, nephews, aunts and friends locally and nationally too numerous to list. He was preceded in death by a niece, Donna R. Heusdens.

Funeral services will be held in the Wilson Funeral Home, 1212 Lathrop Ave., on Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at 7 p.m. with Rev. John Fleming officiating. Friends and family may meet at the funeral home on Friday evening from 4 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at West Lawn Memorial Park.

A special thanks to Dr. Richard Odders and his staff, Dr. Hari and his staff at Froedtert Hospital as well as many friends and family who assisted in Byron's care.

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

Benjamin James Scharding

Benjamin James Scharding, 16, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2008.

Benjamin was born in Racine on October 15, 1992, to Robert W. and Cynthia M. (nee: Williams) Scharding. He was a sophomore at The Prairie School. Benjamin joined The Prairie School in 6th grade as a Hilpert Scholar. He was extremely gifted in Science and Math, which came naturally to him. Benjamin spent his lunch hour sharing his knowledge assisting others in Chemistry. He won the 2008 Marquette High School statewide math competition. Benjamin represented Prairie school in the American Mathematics Competition at the state level. He was also involved in the Science Olympiad competition and a member of the Lighthouse Brigade. Benjamin was a bright student with a gentle spirit.

Benjamin is survived by his parents, Robert and Cynthia Scharding; brother and best friend, Dylan Scharding; maternal grandparents, Charles and Mary Williams; and paternal grandparents, William and Nancy Scharding. He is also survived by numerous great aunts and great uncles, aunts and uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. Benjamin was preceded in death by his uncle Charlie Williams and cousins, Paul Weglarz and Joshua Peotter.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church on Saturday, December 6, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. William Dietzler officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday, December 5, 2008, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Memorials to The Prairie School Scholarship have been suggested.

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

Lee W. Morgan

Lee W. Morgan, 77, passed away at Froedtert Memorial Hospital, on Monday December 1, 2008. He was born in Racine on November 13, 1931, the son of Wilbur and Alice (Nee: Sweetman) Morgan.

Lee was united in marriage to Joan Jacobsen in Racine on May 9, 1953. He was a graduate of Park High School, Class of 1949, and went on to serve in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Lee was a very active member of Grace Church, involved in many committees and ministries. He was active as a Sunday School Teacher, Bus Ministry, Small Group Leader for 28 years and also served as on Elder. He was employed at S.C. Johnson as a research scientist, retiring after more than 38 years of service. Lee found great enjoyment in fishing, golf and it was not uncommon to find him lost in any good book he could find.

Lee is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan; and his two sons, Scott (Tisha) Morgan of Hixson, Tenn., and Mark (Sandra) Morgan of Calhoun, GA.; five grandchildren, Sarah (fiancé, Justin), Katie, Thomas, Ivan and Rebecca Morgan. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Daniel, in 1993.

A celebration of Lee’s life and remembrance will be held at Grace Church, 3626 Highway 31, on Thursday December 4, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Jerry Worsham and Rev. Daniel Petersen officiating. Private burial will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park following services. There will be a visitation at Grace Church on Thursday from noon until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Jesus Film Project or Grace Church have been suggested by the family.

The Morgan family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Dr. Robert Gullberg and Dr. James Tierney for the fine care they provided over the years.

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

James S. White

James S. White, 53, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 1, 2008, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. James was born in Racine on November 14, 1955, son of Clarence and Eleanor (nee: Reichel) White and had been a lifelong resident.

Since the age of 10, Jamie has had a deep love of farming and was most recently working with Petersen Farms. He graduated from J.I. Case High School “Class of 1974.” On May 27, 1978, at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church Jamie was united in marriage to the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Kathryn Visovatti. Jamie was a Harley enthusiast and loved traveling. Jamie was a wonderful brother and friend who would go out of his way to help out whenever we needed him. More than anything he will be best remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, and uncle who enjoyed and cared deeply for his family. Jamie will be dearly missed.

Jamie is survived by his loving wife of thirty years, Kathy; two precious daughters, Kristy and Susan; his loving parents, Clarence and Eleanor White; brothers and sister, Randy White, Rick (Sharon) White, Mary (Kevin) Granger; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Jean Visovatti; sisters-in-law and brother in-law, Lauren Visovatti, Debbie (Christian) Aellig; his dear friends, Jack “Zipper” and Kathy Zimmerman, Bill and Elaine Wickersheim; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jamie was preceded in death by his nephew, Paul White.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, December 4, 2008, at 1 p.m., with Rev. Kara Baylor officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Memorials to the family for Kristy’s and Susan’s education have been suggested.

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

Charles K. Chaslavsky

Charles Kenneth Chaslavsky, age 85, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2008, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home, Union Grove. He was born in Racine on April 14, 1923, son of the late Charles and Emma (Nee:Sommerfield) Chaslavsky and was a lifelong resident.

Charles graduated from William Horlick High School “Class of 1941.” During WWII he served in the U. S. Marine Corps stationed in the South Pacific Theatre. On December 28, 1946, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Ruth M. Braun. Charles was employed by the Racine Police Dept., serving as an officer for 30 years, retiring in 1978 to Florida where he and Ruth enjoyed nearly 30 years. He was a member of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church. Charles loved fishing and woodcarving but most of all the time spent with his family. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Ruth; a sister, Virginia Fries of Oshkosh; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Tom Braun of Naples, FL, Jean McMahon, Jim (Delores) Braun, Mary Braun, and Art Helding, all of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Mary, and his sister, Marjorie Johnson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at 6 p.m. at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Reverend Mark Jones officiating. Private entombment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the church from 5:30 p.m. until time of Mass at 6:30 p.m. Memorials to St. Lucy’s Catholic Church have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Boland Hall at the Wisconsin Veterans Home for their loving and compassionate care.

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