Betty Jane (Thornton) Martinson

Kenosha -- With her loving family by her side, Betty Jane Martinson, age 85, passed away Wednesday November 4, 2009, at the Clare Bridge Home, Kenosha, WI. Betty Jane was born in Kenosha on December 10, 1923, daughter of the late Raynard L. and Marie (Nee: Waugh) Thornton and was a lifelong resident of Kenosha.

Betty Jane was a graduate of the Mary D. Bradford High School “Class of 1942.” On December 8, 1944, she was united in marriage to Harold Martinson at the First United Methodist Church, Kenosha, where she was a lifetime member. He preceded her in death, September 26, 1988.

During World War II she was proud to have helped her country in the war effort at the Great Lakes Naval Base. Betty Jane was also employed by Kenosha Unified for over twenty years. In her younger years she was a member of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed sewing and golfing. Above all she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children, Thornton Lee (Joann) Martinson of Sun Prairie, WI, Jean (David) Gausche of Racine, WI; her four grandchildren, Lisa (Cameron) Thompson, Kristin (Timothy) Krull, all of Sun Prairie, WI, Dr. Eric (Dr. Sheetal) Gausche of Chicago, IL, Michelle (Brian) Van Schyndel of Kenosha, WI; her five great-grandchildren, Gia, Davis, Brady, Maren and Kent; sister, Georgia Lee Vandenberg of Kenosha, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her infant son; and sister, Bonnie Thornton.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 919 60th Street, Kenosha, on Monday November 9, 2009, with Rev. Kathleen Nuzzo officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church Monday from 10 a.m. until time of services. Memorials to Hospice Alliance, the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the First United Methodist Church have been suggested.

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

Evelyn J. (Conhartoski) Caruso

Evelyn Jean Caruso, age 82, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at Kindred Hospital in Greenfield. Evelyn was born in Gile, WI, daughter of the late John and Josephine (Nee: Skendriel) Conhartoski.

She was married to Enrico Caruso for 22 years, who preceded her in death in 1987. Evelyn was a homemaker most of her life and she also worked as a waitress. She enjoyed bowling and mainly being with people. Above all, she was a loving and giving person. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children, Sandra German of Woodstock, GA, Marilyn (Fred) Hogarth of Franksville, Roger (Michele) Caruso of Tampa, FL, Donald (Angie) Caruso of Melbourne, FL, John Caruso of Racine, Kathleen Caruso of Racine; 14 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Helen Masty of Lake Station, IN, Estella “Cookie” (John) Kolodziejczyk, Ironwood, MI, Dora (Bob) Ruby of Leesburg, FL, Marie Vargovich of Holtz, MI, John (Betty) Conhartoski of Milwaukee, Paul (Julie) Conhartoski of Milwaukee; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

In addition to her parents and former husband, she was preceded in death by three sons, Robert, Alex and Dennis; three sisters, Gloria, Alice Ceccon and Josephine Lampert; and four brothers, Robert, Richard, Stanley (killed in Korean War) and Andrew.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Reverend Alice Taves officiating. Relatives and friends may meet at the funeral home with the family Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Memorials suggested to American Diabetes Association.

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

Vernon J. Malik

Vernon J. Malik, age 88, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at his residence. Vernon was born in Junction City, WI, on June 3, 1921, son of the late James F. and Irene F. (Nee: St. Clair) Malik.

During World War II he served in the United States Marine Corps stationed in the South Pacific. On August 4, 1945, he was united in marriage to Geraldine R. Garner who preceded him in death, March 1, 1992. On November 9, 1997, he married Rita Hueffner who preceded him in death November 9, 2003.

Vernon was employed by Korndoerfer Construction Company for many years until his retirement. He then worked for Tom Hansen at Hansen’s Tap for many years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Moose Lodge #437, V.F.W. Post 1391, American Legion #310, and Eagles Club Aerie #281. During the sixties and seventies he was known as “The Bug Doctor” for his work on Volkswagens. Vernon was an avid fisherman and always carried a fishing pole in his car “Just in case.” He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his children, Lynda (Michael) Chevalier of Sturtevant, WI, Jenny (Russell) Borgen of Racine, James (Jane) Malik of Racine, John (Robin) Malik of Racine; 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters, Vera Staples of Rothschild, WI, Doris (Bob) Weinkof of Racine; brother, Karl (Laurie) Malik of Stevens Point, WI; sister-in-law, Darlene Malik of Wausau; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wives he was preceded in death by his brother, Gary; and brother-in-law, “Slim” Staples.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., on Monday November 9, 2009, at 11 a.m., with Rev. John D. Aiello officiating. Interment with full Military Honors will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and Monday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church have been suggested.

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

Eleanor R. Kirkendoll

Eleanor R. (nee: Jander) Kirkendoll, 85, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

A lifetime resident, Eleanor was born in Racine on November 7, 1923, to the late Otto and Frieda (nee: Schwandt) Jander. A 1942 graduate of Washington Park High School, she was employed in the office of Racine Co-op.

On November 9, 1946, in the parsonage of St. Edward Catholic Church, Eleanor was united in marriage with the love of her life, Robert L. Kirkendoll, by Father Richard Schaefer. Eleanor has been a devoted and faithful member of St. Lucy Catholic Church.

Eleanor was a tireless member of the Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Auxiliary, logging over 13, 000 volunteer hours over the years, and was active in founding the Christmas House. Among her interests, she enjoyed singing, creating ceramics, counting cross-stitch and was past-president of the Jim Beam Bottle Club. Above all, as a passionate people person, she loved nothing more than being in the midst of family and friends.

Surviving are her loving husband, Bob; sister-in-law, Shirley (Frank) Teigland; brother-in-law, James Hawes; and many treasured nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald (Pat) Jander; sisters, Irma (Wally) Kotoff, Adeline (Rev. Oliver) Carlson and Eunice Hawes; Bob’s parents, Frank and Florence (nee: Ayers) Kirkendoll; and brother-in-law, John (Helen) Kirkendoll.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Eleanor and Bob’s 63rd Wedding Anniversary, Monday, November 9, 2009, at 6 p.m. in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 4-6 p.m. Private entombment will take place in the crypts of West Lawn Memorial Park. In memory of Eleanor, memorials to St. Lucy Church, All Saints Auxiliary, or to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

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

Theodore N. Baldukas

Racine/Madison – Theodore ‘Ted’ N. Baldukas, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 1, 2009, at The University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison. He was born in Racine, on November 12, 1916, the son of Nicholas and Vivian (nee: Corombos) Baldukas.

Ted was a graduate of Washington Park High School and attended MSOE for one year. He proudly served in the United States Army, with the 2nd Calvary Division. Ted later served in New Guinea with the United States Army Air Force, 2nd Photo Mapping Squadron, as a waist gunner on a B-24 bomber, and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1946.

He had been employed at Hamilton Beach until their closing, then at Badger Meter, Inc. until his retirement in 1985.

Ted was an active member of Kimissis Tis Theotokou Church, a member of AHEPA and served on the church council for many years. He was united in marriage to Penelopi ‘Penny’ Siouti on July 1, 1966. Penny shared his passion for travel, taking many trips together. They especially enjoyed their trips to Greece, visiting their extensive families. Ted had an extensive portfolio of slides and photographs from his travels. He narrated and shared these for many years, at the church festival. Ted had a great love of photography and video recording. He was always sought after to record family and friends’ special events.

Surviving is his son, Dean (Kathleen) Baldukas of Stoughton; daughter, Nikki (Scott) Storck of Madison; six beloved grandchildren, Nicholas, Aidan and Theodore Baldukas, Calista, Elena and William Storck; brother, John Baldukas; sister, Jane (Frank) Alioto; sister-in-law, Leone Baldukas, all of Racine; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Maria Lambrides, Fotini (Yiannis) Tsangas and Yiannis Valavannis, all of Greece. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends both in the Untied States and Greece.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Penny, on November 21, 2005; sister, Mary Baldukas; brothers, Plato Baldukas, Peter (Gladys) Baldukas, Chris and Bill (Arlyss) Baldukas; sister-in-law, Luella Baldukas.

Funeral services will be held at Kimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1335 S. Green Bay Rd., on Monday, November 9, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. John Ketchum officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be a time to meet with family and friends at Sturino Funeral Home on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., with a Trisagion Service at 6 p.m.

Memorials in Ted’s memory to Kimissis Tis Theotokou Library Fund, 1331 S. Green Bay Rd., Racine, WI 53406 or to Skaalen Home, Inc., 400 N. Morris St., Stoughton, WI 53589 have been suggested.

Special gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at The University of Wisconsin Hospital TLC Unit for their exceptional kindness and grace in caring for our beloved father. He was the best Papouli ever.

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

Eileen (Nuernberger) McDonald

Eileen Mc Donald (Formerly Nuernberger) was born June 1, 1942, in London, England, to Archibald and Kathleen (nee Moroni) Mc Donald. The middle of three girls, she always remained close to sisters Maureen Wadkin (Colin) and Carol Eisenmen (Jim).

In her youth she holidayed in Spain, France and the UK. She has always been interested in clothing and music. She won first prize in a local beauty contest. She married an American Airman and emigrated to the U.S. in 1964. Staying true to her dedication and love of family, she had three children; Cheryl Lynne McDonald-Wensing (Mike Wensing), Kevin Neil Nuernberger, and Andrew Colin Nuernberger (Brad Nehrbass). She loved and was very proud of her three grandsons, Isaac Hawk Nuernberger, Devon Michael Wensing and Benjamin Ian Wensing. Though not always able to be physically present due to extreme geographical distance, she loved and was loved by her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephew.

She worked hard in a number of jobs over the years. She would do anything to feed, clothe and house her family. Most recently she was a dietary manager for Sodhexo at All Saints. She was always well-liked by those who met her, and many of her children's friends grew to love her like a second mother. She was always supportive and loving to people. She was passionate about reading, something that she imparted to her children. Education (learning), travel, kindness, generosity and patience were just a few of her values that she lived by.

Eileen moved on to her next phase of existence early on the morning of Sunday, November 1, 2009. She was preceded by her mother and father. Her physical absence will cause much pain, but she will always be in the hearts, minds and spirits of the ones she loved. A Farewell Celebration will be held at McAulliff's Pub, 3700 Meachem Rd., Racine, WI 53406 (262-554-9695) from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 7. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Racine Literacy Council.

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

Nancy Brulport

Nancy Brulport, 72, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints on Sunday, November 1, 2009.

Nancy was born in Racine on November 27, 1936, to Clarence and Arlene (nee, Watson) Kohl. Her husband Harry Brulport preceded her in death. Nancy retired from Lincoln Village convalescent Center after more than twenty years working as a Registered Nurse.

Nancy is survived by her children, Kimberly (Scott) Hart, Sally (Jim) McKillips, Buddy Beegle, Sandy (Dave) Reid, Liz (Dale) Rosa, David (Nancy) Beegle and Arlyne Ciolkosz Brulport. Nancy is also survived by twenty-two grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth “Cookie” Bose; special friends, Nina (Gill) Hoffman and Nancy Willis; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Mickey Beegle; step-father, Frank Lavin; sister, Kathleen Kohl; and special friend, Paul Minasian.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be a time of sharing and remembering to be held at 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints for all of the care and compassion they showed to our mother, Nancy.

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