Helen R. (Stafford) Walsh

Kenosha, WI -- Helen R. Walsh, age 84, died peacefully from age-related causes surrounded by her children and caregivers on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at Brookside Care Center, Kenosha, Wisconsin. Helen was born July 22, 1925, in Dubuque, Iowa, to the late John L. and Nellie W. (nee: Cunningham) Stafford.

She and her sister, Mary Catherine, grew up on the “West Hill” in Dubuque, just a few blocks from St. Columbkille’s , the neighborhood Catholic parish church and school. She graduated from St. Columbkille’s High School in 1943 and the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. On April 26, 1948, she married James P. Walsh of Dubuque at St. Columbkille’s Parish Church. He died on December 5, 1995. Since 1989, Jim and Helen were parishioners at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Parish in Sturtevant, Wisconsin.

She was proud to be a Registered Nurse and worked for more than 40 years, specializing in geriatric nursing with a special interest in the developmentally challenged. During her career she worked at several hospitals and nursing homes, including Brookside Care Center and Shady Lawn in Kenosha; Pleasant View Nursing Home and The Monroe Manor in Monroe, Wisconsin; Grant County Hospital in Lancaster, Wisconsin; and Mercy Hospital in Dubuque.

Survivors include her three children, David J. (Alice) Walsh of Carmel, New York, Linda M. (James) Scharine of Greenfield, Wisconsin, and Patrick S. (Elizabeth) Walsh of Eugene, Oregon; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth R. (Ryan) Hunt of Anchorage, Alaska, James and John Walsh of Carmel, New York, Gregory and Kathryn Scharine of Greenfield, Wisconsin, Colleen and Shannon Walsh of Eugene, Oregon; and great-grandchildren, Abigail and Corrina Hunt of Anchorage. Also, a sister in-law, Mary Anne (John) Chism of Raleigh, North Carolina; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

Helen was immensely proud of her husband, family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Catholic faith, Irish heritage, the nursing profession, Dubuque and the state of Iowa, and her wonderful friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a brother and sister in-law, William and Irene Stafford of Dubuque, Iowa; and a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Catherine and Edmund Shapley of Bettendorf, Iowa; and two nephews, James Shapley of Portland, Oregon and Keith Chism of Raleigh, North Carolina.

On Friday, October 9, 2009, relatives and friends may meet the family at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St., in Racine, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, October 10, 2009, visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church at 1240 Rush St. in Dubuque and followed by a funeral Mass. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa. Fr. Gabriel Anderson, pastor of St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Apostolate to the Handicapped, Box 443, Monroe, Wisconsin 53566.

The family would like to give special thanks to the medical team and staff at Brookside Care Center who lovingly and tenderly took care of their mother as well as a host of friends and former colleagues who took time to visit her regularly.

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

Eileen Jean (Damman) Floyd

Eileen J. Floyd, age 73, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at Wheaton-Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. Eileen was born in Sanborn, IA, on December 28, 1935, daughter of the late George P. and Jean (Nee: Blok) Damman and was raised on a family farm in Iowa and was very proud of her heritage.

Eileen was a graduate of Drake University. She was employed by North Side Bank for twenty-three years and was a Sales Representative for twelve years with Lamers Bus Line up until her passing. She enjoyed her countless travels with her friends as the leader of the V.I. P. group at North Shore Bank. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother who more than anything cherished time spent with her family and her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Scott Floyd, Deborah (Chris) Truckey, John Floyd, Dale Floyd; her four grandchildren, Kayla Jean, Stephen Charles, Ian Morey and Megan Morey; brothers, Robert (Marilyn) Damman, Glenn (Bonnie) Damman; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, October 11, 2009, at 4 p.m. with Rev. Terry McGugan officiating. Private interment will be held in Sanborn, Iowa. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 p.m. until time of service.

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Michael Mullane and staff and at Wheaton-Franciscan All Saints Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care.

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

George Faz Cruz

George Faz Cruz, 80, surrounded by his family, God called his loving son home, on Tuesday, October 6, 2009.

He was born in Millett, Texas, on April 23, 1929, the son of Francisco and Aurora (nee: Faz) Cruz. On September 6, 1946 George was united in marriage to Argentina Guyllen in Racine. He was a member of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, the LULAC Club and J.I. Case 20 Year Club. George was a coremaker for J.I. Case Company for 30 years, retiring in 1983. He enjoyed getting together with family and friends, especially during the summer and holidays.

George is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Argentina, and their children, Mary Cruz (Bob Siehr), Sylvia (Richard) LaCosse, Elia (Jerry) Mendez, Ermalinda (Mike) Nelsen, Esther (Ralph) Hall, George (Delores) Cruz Jr., David (Mireya Ortega) Cruz and Larry Cruz; 12 grandchildren; 27½ great-grandchildren; two sisters, Teresa (Louis) Martinez and Eva (Pablo) Amaya. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends in both Racine and Texas.

George was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kimberly LaCosse; great-granddaughter, Erin Eiben; dear uncles, Carlos (Bertha) Faz, Alonzo Cruz Sr., special cousins; Reyes Cruz Sr., Fred Faz, Elida Faz; and nephews, Ricky, O.C. and Danny Amaya.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., on Monday, October 12, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mark Jones officiating. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. There will be a visitation at Sturino Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until mass time.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Doctors Odders, Taylor and Willis and their staff, for all of their care and compassion and also to the caregivers from Hospice. We will never forget all you have done for our George.

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

Leon R. Falkner

Somers – Leon R. Falkner, 70, passed away unexpectedly in the Emergency Room of Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Tuesday, October 6, 2009.

Leon was born in Racine on March 5, 1939, to the late Raymond and Genevieve (nee: Czajkowski) Falkner. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1957. Leon served our country with the United States Army from 1962-1964.

On June 14, 1974, in St. Peter Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with Mary Lou (nee: Walsh). Leon was employed as a machinist by Twin Disc until his retirement in 1995.

With a profound faith in God, Leon was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Twin Disc 20 Year Club and the Racine Reel and Rifle Club. As a true outdoors enthusiast, Leon enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He was a gifted chef who had a great passion for creating authentic meals to share with his entire family – a trademark he will always be remembered for. Nothing brought greater joy to Leon than spending time with his granddaughters – especially at their school functions and sporting events.

Surviving are his broken-hearted wife, Mary Lou; daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Steve Krekling; granddaughters, Lindsey and Laurin Krekling; nephews, Bill (Helene), Craig (Char) and Eugene Falkner; mother-in-law, Pauline Walsh; sisters-in-law, Patricia (Harry) Garnette and Paula Bodnar; brother-in-law, William (Patricia) Walsh; many other dear nieces, nephews, relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his brother, Charles (Rosemarie) Falkner; and father-in-law, Jerome Walsh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter Catholic Church, 2224 – 30th Ave. in Kenosha, with Fr. Ireneusz Chodakowski, MIC officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday evening, October 9, from 5 – 8 p.m. with a Prayer Vigil at 7:30 p.m.; and in St. Peter’s Church on Saturday from 9-10 a.m. In memory of Leon, memorials to “HOPE Safehouse” or to “L.E.A.R.N. – Labrador Education and Rescue Network” have been suggested.

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

Kevin J. Barz

Kevin J. Barz, age 56, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2009, at his residence. He was born in Racine on May 4, 1953, son of the late John and Mary Ellen (Nee: Gille) Barz.

On July 6, 1974, at Holy Name Catholic Church he was united in marriage to Sandra J. Nauman. Kevin was employed with J.I. Case Company for twenty-four years. He enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren delivering papers for the Journal Times. Kevin was an avid photographer, cribbage player, and always was tuned in with his Police scanner. He was an active resident at Lake Oaks. Above all he had a great sense of humor and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy; his three children, Tracy (Ronald) Tatum, April (Carey) Goodwin, all of Racine, Brooks (Mandi) Barz of New Berlin, his eight grandchildren, Casey, Tyla, Tyler, Xavier, Kevin, Mykaela, Jaidyn and Brooklyn; two sisters, Kathy Campeau and LorEllen “Lori” Barz, both of Racine; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Richard and Jane Nauman of Racine; brothers-in-law, Rick Naumen of Madison, Tim Campeau of Racine; nieces and nephews, P.J. Barz, Jimmie (Stacy) Campeau, Marcy Campeau, Timmie (Jennifer) Campeau; other relatives and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, October 9, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. with Deacon Howard Wirtz officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Friday at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until time of service.

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

Stephen Allen Plocinski

Stephen Allen Plocinski, 57, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 4, 2009, surrounded by his family. Steve was born in Racine on October 10, 1951, to Marvin H. Leonhardt and the late Alice (nee: Grabher) Kilman.

Steve was a lifelong resident of Racine and attended J.I. Case High School. After a successful battle with Hodgkin’s disease during his teenage years, Steve demonstrated his creativity, and love for building homes as a carpenter for 26 years. In 1996, Steve’s passion for travel overtook him and he became an over-the-road truck driver. Though he never married, Steve enjoyed spending time with his brothers and sisters, and their families. He also enjoyed hunting, reading novels, watching movies, traveling, karate, motorcycling and surfing the net on his computer. His laughter and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Surviving Steve are his sisters, Janet J. Spoon of Lakeview, OH, and Victoria S. Stachow; and special friend, Charlie Proite of Racine; brothers, Gregory A. Plocinski of Wausaukee, WI; and Kevin R. (Ruth) Plocinski of Racine; nieces, April Plocinski and Tiffany Farrell; nephews, Christopher Stachow and Jonathan, Andrew and Matthew Plocinski; aunts, Doris Grabher and Janet Kellogg; uncle, Eugene (Kathy) Dexter; numerous cousins, relatives and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother; grandparents, Earnest and Catherine Grabher; uncles, Donald Grabher, George Grabher and Robert Kellogg; aunts, Eleonor Dexter and Jeanne Grabher; and cousins, Darold Grabher and Yvonne Dexter.

In accordance with Steve’s wishes, a funeral service will not be held and cremation will take place. Family and friends are invited for dinner at Infusino’s Banquet Hall Thursday, Oct. 8, at 4:30 p.m. for a celebration of Steve’s life. In lieu of flowers memorials have been suggested to Hospice Alliance.

Steve’s family would like to thank Dr. Robert Brown, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Ulmer, and the Cancer Center staff. A very special thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane, and Terry, Dean, Jan and Amanda from Hospice Alliance for their compassionate care and guidance through Steve’s journey with cancer. Bless you all.

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

Vito Benigno Sr.

Elkhorn, WI -- Vito Benigno Sr., age 87, passed away Sunday, October 04, 2009, at his residence. Vito was born in Chicago, IL, on October 17, 1921, son of the late Vito and Ursula (Nee: Leveccia) Benigno.

During World War II he served in the Unites States Merchant Marines Corps. On May 17, 1946, he was united in marriage to Jean R. De Carlo, who preceded him in death on October 25, 2003. Vito was a bricklayer for many years working at various locations. Vito was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Delavan, WI. He will be missed greatly.

Survivors include his children, Vito (Sue) Benigno, Gina (John) Hopper, Paul J. (Sally) Benigno, Tom J. Benigno; his five grandchildren, Vito (Darlene) Benigno IV, Jean Marie (Robert) Ingersoll, James (Heidi) Vander Vere, Angela (Ryan) Feuker, Paul Thomas Benigno; his great-grandchildren, Andrew and Angelica, Brooke, J.T., and Joel, Amber Rose and Joshua, and Desiree; brother, John Benigno; sister, Rose Payne; sisters-in-law, Jenny Benigno, Paulina Hicks; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Sam, Joe, Ned, Grace, Mary and Lena.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 8, 2009, at noon with Rev. Caroline Sellers officiating. 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 Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of service.

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