Phyllis M. (Kelley) Monfeli

Phyllis M. Monfeli, age 83, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at Froedtert Memorial Hospital, Milwaukee, WI. Phyllis was born in Michigan City, IN, on May 23, 1926, daughter of the late William A. and Eleanor M. (Nee: Sable) Kelley.

On October 18, 1950, she was united in marriage to Richard R. Monfeli who preceded her in death, April 11, 1987. Phyllis retired in 1978 after many years of employment at Richard’s Men’s Wear. She was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and recently a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. She enjoyed needlepoint, knitting and was an avid reader. Above all she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her five sons and daughters-in-law, Richie Monfeli of Racine, William (Pamela) Monfeli of Charlotte, North Carolina, Michael (Barbara) Monfeli of Phoenix, AZ, Robert (Gaylesue) Monfeli of Racine, John (Genna) Monfeli of Phoenix, AZ; her grandchildren, Meredith Monfeli, Sgt. Peter Monfeli USMC, Michael (Lauren) Monfeli, Gina, Anthony, and Alexander Monfeli, Samantha, Nick, and Gianna Monfeli; her great-grandson, Ethan Monfeli; sister-in-law, Jan Monfeli of Racine; many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Ryan Monfeli; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Ruth Zikowski, and Robert Monfeli.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Monday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Tuesday at the church from 9 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family have been suggested.

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

Edmund Beyer Jr.

Edmund Beyer Jr., age 75, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2009. at his residence. Edmund was born in Racine on January 10, 1934, son of the late Edmund and Leona (Nee:Frey) Beyer.

On August 7, 1998, in Traverse City, MI, he was united in marriage to Betty M. (Nee: Kaufman) Aldert. During the Korean War Edmund served in the United States Army as an airplane mechanic. He was employed by American Motors and retired from J.I. Case Company. Edmund was a member of J.I. Case Twenty Year Club, the V.F.W. and St. Sebastian Catholic Church. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed bowling with the Senior League at Castlewood. Above all he treasured time spent with his family and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his wife of 11 years, Betty; his sons, Steve (Lisa) Beyer and John Beyer; son-in-law, Ronald Dixon; his grandchildren, Shane, Rhonda, Steve, Sarah, Micheal, Lisa, and Sheila; five great-grandchildren, Austin, Kylee, Carson, Ashley and Tyler; sister, Noraine Bahrs; brother, Richard (Jeanne) Beyer; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives,neighbors, dear friends and bowling buddies. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Darla; two daughters, Pamela Beyer and Sharon Dixon; daughter-in-law, Carol Beyer; three sisters, Janice Braughton, Delores Hayes, and Dorothy Willhelmi; and a brother-in-law, Tom L. Kaufman.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3100 95th St., on Saturday, October 3, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul L. Raczynski officiating. Private interment will be held. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Hospice Alliance for their loving and compassionate care.

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

LuElla Burgess (Nee: Allan)

LuElla Burgess, age 87, died on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009. She was born in Racine, WI, on October 16, 1921, and lived in Racine nearly all of her life. Loving mother of Deborah Burgess of Franklin, WI. Loving sister-in-law of Rita S. Allan of Pittsburgh, PA. Proud aunt of James S. Allan (M.D.) of Marblehead, MA. Luella is survived by other very close friends. Preceded in death by her mother and father, Eleanor K. Allan and James S. Allan, beloved husband John S. Burgess, and dear brother James S. Allan.

LuElla maintained a will to go on and a sense of grace that speaks to the nobility of the human spirit. She possessed generosity and kindness to those she met. LuElla cherished the rich yet simple pleasures in life: the love and companionship of family, close friends and caregivers.

While living in Racine, LuElla gave back to the community in her younger years serving as president of the Junior League of Racine, and the Racine Taylor Children’s Home.

LuElla is dearly loved and will be missed by her family and friends. A Celebration of LuElla’s life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave., on Saturday, September 26, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ben Johnson-Krase officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until time of service.

The family gives a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Golden Living-Heritage Square in Greendale, WI, for their loving and compassionate care provided to Luella and her family throughout the past six years.

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

Marguerite W. Haas

Marguerite W. Haas, age 96, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at her residence. Marguerite was born in Lake City, MN, on October 2, 1912, daughter of Alfred and Josephine (Nee: Steichen) Wise.

Marguerite graduated from St. Teresa College in Winona, MN. She met her future husband, Norbert Haas shortly before graduation. After a year of teaching high school in Pipestone, MN, she married Norbert and moved to his home town of Racine.

While in school, Marguerite enjoyed a passion for the liberal arts. In particular, she was drawn to languages and music She studied English, Latin and French, and also played violin in her college orchestra.

Marguerite taught Latin and English at St. Catherine’s High School for 26 years. She retired at the age of 72. Teaching was fun for her. She shared her contagious enthusiasm for learning with her students and developed many lasting friendships.

Friends have characterized her as optimistic. As such, she may be a role model for aging well. After retiring, she volunteered to teach English as a second language in her home to recent immigrants. In later life, she studied conversational Spanish at UW-Parkside and enjoyed the social aspects of group learning.

Marguerite was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and more recently of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She also enjoyed active memberships in AAUW and the Catholic Women’s Club.

Marguerite enjoyed flower gardening, and her efforts were once featured on a local garden tour.

She had the good fortune to travel internationally at an early age and the experiences enriched her as a teacher. As most of her immediate family gradually migrated to the West, she made an annual winter visit to California, generally traveling on her own up to the present time.

Marguerite lived in her own home for over fifty years and at the Atrium for the last four years. Regardless of where she lived, Marguerite loved being surrounded by friends, whether young or old, who shared her spark and looked out for each others' needs.

As Marguerite approached her 97th year, she maintained her instinctive childlike awe over the rising of a full moon, whether it climbed over Lake Michigan or the California mountains. Love of natural beauty was part of her essence.

Marguerite was certainly a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be greatly missed. Her family is grateful for her love and lessons.

Survivors include her children, Nancy (Ed) Staacke, Michael (Eileen) Haas, Bob (Jane) Haas and Jim (Claudia) Haas; her grandchildren, John May, Gus (Auturo Vazquez) May, Kevin (Charlen) May, Eric Haas, Adam Haas, Gabriel Haas, Alejandro Haas; her great-grandchildren, Abbey and Alexandra Vazquez May, Nicole and Jack May; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Norbert Haas; and brothers, Robert (Isabelle) Wise and John (Adele) Wise.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., on Monday, September 28, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Rev. John D. Aiello officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery, Hwy 31. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to St. Catherine’s High School, St. Vincent De Paul Society, or to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all her medical providers, especially to Dr. Dubin and Dr. Short for the many years of attentive care.

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

Marian L. (McGregor) Brack

Marian L. Brack, age 84, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at Ridgewood Care Center. Marian was born in Racine, December 29, 1924, daughter of the late Paul R. and Emma A. (Nee: Organ) McGregor.

On November 27, 1943, she was united in marriage to Ernest Brack who preceded her in death in 1973. She later became longtime companion and friend of Bob Rooney, who preceded her in death in 2000. Marian was well known and liked in the city through her twenty one years of employment as head cashier at Sentry Foods on Douglas Avenue and nine years at Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors on Durand Avenue. She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and previously at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Marian enjoyed tending to her gardens. Above all, she enjoyed loving and taking care of her great-grandchildren. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her sons, Gregg Brack and David Brack; her four grandchildren, Traci Brack, Jodi (Chris) Rothell, Ann Marie (Patrick) Coover, Ashley Brack; her great-grandchildren, Laina, Colin, Caleb, Austin and Ava; sister, Doris Pirk; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Gary P. Brack, August 7, 2009.

Funeral services will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 614 Main St., on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m. and at the church Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Memorials to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or to the family have been suggested.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Ridgewood Care Center for all of their loving and compassionate care.

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

Michael J. Saunders

Michael J. Saunders, 69, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.

Mike was born in Racine on January 8, 1940, to Celsus F. and Marguerite (nee: Troestler) Saunders. He served his country in the United States Air Force. Mike was a member of Moose Lodge #447. He enjoyed his daily morning routine of having breakfast with his friends at George Webb then at Park Inn. He liked to barbeque and watch Packers and Brewers games. The biggest joy in Mike’s life was spending time with his daughters, sons-in-law and his grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Jenny (Brian) Weyker of AZ and Mary (Joey) Talbott of Racine; grandchildren, Austin and Alex Weyker and Micah and Jonah Talbott; sister, Kathy Simanek; and former wife and friend, Judy Saunders. He is also survived by other relatives and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Robert Saunders.
A memorial service for Mike will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 26, 2009, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.

Mike’s family would like to thank Dr. Michael Mullane and his staff for their friendship and care during this difficult time.

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

Henry James 'Big John' Bester

Henry James Bester, 68, affectionately known to many as “Big John,” passed away at Select Specialty Hospital in West Allis on Monday, September 21, 2009.

Henry was born in Laurel, MS, on November 20, 1940, to James and Virgie Bester. On June 13, 1959, in Laurel, he was united in marriage with his lifelong love, Kizzie Washington.

Fishing, hunting, motorcycles, working on cars, socializing and spoiling children were some of John’s passions. He retired from the JI Case Company in 1995.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Kizzie; their children, Janet Bester, Cynthia (Rev. Joe) Buckley, James (Sherri) Bester, Johnnie Mae Bester, Henry Lee (Angela) Bester, Yvonne Williams, Virgie Bester, Kenneth Bester, Clifton Bester, Cedric Bester and Lakaeshia Bester; many adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Willie (Flora) Bester and Bennie Bester; sisters, Idella Redding and Geneva (Gurwell) McGee; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends (especially Robert and Mae Perry; Glasper and Ruth Overstreet) too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his son, Harvey L. Bester; mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law and three brothers-in-law.

Homegoing services will be celebrated on Monday, September 28, 2009, at 11 a.m. in New Omega Baptist Church, 5731 Northwestern Ave., with Rev. Fred L. Richmond, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in New Omega Church on Monday from 10-11 a.m.

Special thanks to the doctors and staff of All Saints Clinic, Hospital and Dialysis; and the staff of West Allis Memorial Select Specialty – 6th Floor. Also, to my family and friends for the flowers, prayers, calls, food and support – I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love, Kizzie

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