Judith Gail Fox

Judith Gail Fox, 75, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare on Sunday, October 4, 2009.

Judy was born in Racine on May 18, 1934, to Henry and Elsetta Olson. She was united in marriage to Ronald J. Fox at Atonement Lutheran Church on June 1, 1957. Judy was a lifelong resident of Racine. She enjoyed teaching and substitute teaching in the Racine schools for over 40 years. Always treasuring children, God’s great gift, as our responsible future adults. She sang in the church choir and was a member of the historical societies up north and Caledonia. Judy loved flowers and the trips up north to their cabin.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald J. Fox of Racine; brother, Lonnie (Karen) Olson of Kansasville; brothers-in-law, Olin Fox of Phoenix and Stuart (Isariyah) Fox of Orlando; and sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Robert) Pishny and Kathy (Ron) Janaky all of Racine. Judy is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends, especially her many church friends.

Funeral services for Judy will be held at Faith United Methodist Church, 1013 Harmony Drive, on Thursday, October 8, 2009, at noon. Entombment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials to Faith United Methodist Church have been suggested.

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

Ronald V. Peterson

Raymond – Ronald V. Peterson, 48, went to be with his Lord and Savior early Sunday morning, October 4, 2009, after a difficult battle with cancer.

Ron was born in Racine on May 3, 1961, to the late Ronald G. and Judith A. (nee: Beaulieu) Peterson. He was a 1979 graduate of Racine Lutheran High School. Ron worked for many years at Piggly Wiggly and also owned rental property. He enjoyed his time over the years with co-workers and customers at “The Pig,” but found his true calling when he decided to become a plumber. Ron loved being a plumber and was proud to have worked for United Mechanical, where he felt blessed to have been part of such a great group of co-workers. As a service plumber, he enjoyed meeting and serving many different customers.

Ron was united in marriage to the former Kimberly (nee: Kiesow) Boeselager on May 18, 2002, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Racine. He was an active member at St. John’s Lutheran Church having served on the Board of Trustees and as an usher. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends; working on the endless list of projects on his farm; and restoring classic cars. Ron will be remembered as a loyal and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew and friend.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Kimberly; stepson, Timothy Boeselager; brother, Craig (Denise) Peterson; sister, Jodi (David) Cottingham; and nephew and niece, Grant and Arden Peterson. Ron is further survived by daughters, Ashley (Jason) Cermak and Brittany Peterson; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, a loving church family, and many dear friends, co-workers and customers. He will also be missed by his faithful companion, Buster Brown, the best dog in town. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his grandparents and two uncles.

A memorial service to celebrate Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at 11 a.m. in St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1501 Erie St., with Rev. Daniel B. Quinn officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with Ron’s family at the church on Saturday from 9-11 a.m. Memorials to the family for Tim’s education or to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church have been suggested.

A special note of thanks to Dr. Michael P. Mullane and staff; and to everyone at Hospice Alliance for the compassionate end-of-life care and support. Also, words could never express enough gratitude to our family and friends - the many prayers offered, visits and acts of kindness shown during Ron’s battle with cancer was amazing. May God bless all of you!

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

Vivian Etoy Bosak

Vivian Etoy Bosak, 95, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2009, at Ridgewood Care Center. She was born on February 22, 1914, in Columbia, Mississippi, the daughter of Jepie Norton Forbes and Nellie May (nee: Williamson) Forbes.

Vivian was united in marriage to Joseph Bosak in Racine in 1949. Vivian faithfully attended First Reformed Church and was employed at Oster Manufacturing for many years until the company relocated outside of Racine. She found great enjoyment in gardening and travel, especially with her husband, Joseph, as they traveled throughout the world.

Vivian is survived by her brother, Charles “Pete” (Gladys) Forbes; sister, Elizabeth Bolman, all Mississippi; son-in-law, Leo Beres of Racine, daughter-in-law, Betty Carter of Mississippi; sister-in-law, Bea Bosak of Racine; 12 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends in Mississippi and Racine.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband Joseph on December 1, 2005; two daughters, Alice Beres and Charlene Bohlman; one son, J.N. Carter; grandson John Phelps.

Funeral Services will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. Burial will be held at Graceland Cemetery. There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m.

Vivian’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to Odyssey Hospice and Ridgewood Care Center for the fine care given to Vivian.

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

Robert V. 'Bob' Landeau

Robert V. Landeau passed away early Friday morning, October 2, 2009, with his loving family by his side. On July 19, 1946, he was joined in marriage to Violet Rasmussen, his beloved wife of 58 years who preceded him in death exactly five years ago on October 2, 2004.

Bob was born in Kenosha on October 5, 1920, son of the late Edward and Iva (nee: Zettle) Landeau. His family owned and operated a riding academy in Kenosha.

During World War II, Bob proudly served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the China/Burma/India Theater (Merrill’s Marauders). He was employed by Massey-Ferguson for over thirty-five years until his retirement in 1974. Bob also worked as an installer with Sears-Roebuck and Goldblatts. He enjoyed waterskiing, boating, camping and playing pool. He traveled throughout the country with his motor home and Holiday Rambler friends. More recently he played “Hot Dice” and Tiger Woods Golf. Bob was known for his warm sense of humor, generosity, and stories of his war and travel adventures. Everyone who met Bob loved him. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his loving son, David (Sherry) Landeau of Burlington; his grandchildren, Matthew Landeau of Racine, Sara Landeau of Brooklyn, NY; brother, Lawrence “Babe” (Donna) Landeau of FL; sister-in-law, Jonnie (David) Butkiewicz of Racine; special friend Marilyn Zacharias; friends Cathy and Sarah; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Warner; and his sister, Shirley “Sis” Longhurst.

A Memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. Interment with Full Military Honors 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 10 a.m. until time of services. Memorials to Hospice Alliance have been suggested.

A special thank you to the staff at Hospice Alliance for all of their loving and compassionate care.

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

Eugene F. Rinehart

Eugene F. Rinehart, age 89, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2009, at his residence. Eugene was born in Redding, Ohio, on November 7, 1919, son of the late Arthur A. and Hilda (Nee: Fricke) Rinehart.

During World War II he served in the United States Army as Staff Sergeant. On May 14, 1955, in Pittsburgh, PA, he was united in marriage to Ruth E. Jacober. Eugene owned and operated Pottinger Steel Works and was the Plant Manager at P.D.I. for fifteen years, until 1969. Eugene was a member of First United Methodist Church.

He was also a member of the Somerset Club, Downtown Rotary Club, and co-founder of the Rotary West Club. Eugene was actively involved with the Boy Scouts, Racine Chamber of Commerce where he served as Chairman of the Board. Above all he was a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth; his three sons, Thomas E. Rinehart (Connie Drelich) of Florida, Eric A. (Laura) Rinehart and Matthew (Theresa) Rinehart, all of Racine; his daughter, Kim L. Rinehart of Racine; two grandchildren, Matthew L. Rinehart, Heather N. Browand; brother, Robert (Jane) Riggs of FL; stepmother, Betty Petersen of Mt. Gilead, OH; aunt Helen Gates of OH; sisters-in-law, Doris Rinehart of OH, Mildred Springer of Ligonier, PA; brother-in-law, Russell Jacober of Byron, CA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his grandson, Timothy E. Rinehart; his brother, Donald Rinehart; and sister, Paula; and brother-in-law, Alfie.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 745 Main St., on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Brad Van Fossen officiating. Private interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Memorials to the First United Methodist Church, Parkinson Foundation or to St. Jude’s Children Hospital have been suggested.

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

Arthur E. Rothe

Arthur E. Rothe, age 85, passed away Thursday, October 01, 2009, at Ridgewood Care Center. Arthur was born in Fond du Lac, WI, on November 9, 1923, son of the late Roman and Elizabeth (Nee: Richter) Rothe.

During World War II Arthur served as a sergeant in the United States Army stationed in Brazil. On July 17, 1948, in Sheboygan, WI, he was united in marriage to Marianna E. Lehner. Arthur was an electrical contractor and businessman retiring in 1986. He was a member of Elks Lodge #252 and was Exalted Ruler of the Elks when they celebrated their 100th year. During the years, Arthur was an active member of the Hoy Nature Club, Friends of the Library and Better Investing. Arthur will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his wife, Marianna; his sister, Jean (Daniel) Wagner; sisters-in-law, Maria Jones and Millie Rothe; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerome and Don; and sister, Lorraine Nytes.

A Memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, October 9, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Tony Larsen officiating. Private interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Memorials to the Racine Public Library, Elks Lodge #252, or the Nature Conservancy have been suggested.

Special thanks to the One East Nursing Station at Ridgewood Healthcare Center for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Rudy John Kuzel

Rudy John Kuzel, 73, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center.

Rudy was born in Milwaukee on December 19, 1935, to the late Rudy Joseph and Ina Marie (nee: Cook) Kuzel. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1954. Rudy was united in marriage to Connie Frances (nee: Mitek) on February 16, 1957.

He worked at American Motors, and then Chrysler, in Kenosha for 38 years. Rudy served the UAW Local 72 in many capacities including, Steward, Chief Steward, Trustee and Board Member at Large. He was very proud to have negotiated the first joint Alcohol and Drug program in the UAW Local 72 in 1980 to help members with addiction problems – and served as the Local’s Alcohol and Drug Representative from 1981-1984.

From 1984 until 1996 he served as President – Shop Chairman and led Local 72 through difficult times. Rudy also served on the Kenosha Chrysler Trust Fund Board, the Wisconsin Development Finance Board, and the AM Community Credit Union Board. He was voted “Labor Person of the Year” in Kenosha and Racine in 1986.

Rudy had a deep love for his family and was a very much loved husband, father, grandfather and brother. He loved his time at the Wisconsin Dells – canoeing, bike riding and enjoying nature. Rudy was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Racine Raiders.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; three of the best children, Colleen Kernan, Kraig and Brian Kuzel; three most loved grandsons, Matt, Nick and Ryan Kernan; devoted sister, Judy Kuzel; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Mielcarek and LaVerne Mitek; and brother-in-law, Jack Mitek. Rudy is also survived by loving nieces and nephews of the Runge, Mielcarek, and Mitek families. He will also be missed by many dear friends and members of the labor movement.

In addition to his parents, Rudy was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Bob Kernan; brothers-in-law, Charles Mitek, Bill Runge and Walter Mielcarek; sisters-in-law, Jo Runge and Connie Mae Mitek; mother-in-law, Katherine Mitek; and father-in-law, Stanley Mitek.

A celebration of Rudy’s great spirit and devotion will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2009, in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at noon and will conclude with a Service of Remembrance at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a permanent memorial of Rudy, which will be placed at Devil’s Lake.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to the staff of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints ICU, 5th Floor and Hospice for their compassionate care and support. Also, many thanks to all those dear friends and family who have been supportive during this time.

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