Leonard F. Hand

Celebration, FL – Leonard F. Hand, 60, passed away in Celebration, FL, on Friday, February 5, 2010.

Lenny was born in Racine on May 1, 1949, to Leonard and Rose (nee: Sahagian) Hand. He married Janice Braun at St. Edward Catholic Church on March 25, 1972.

Long-time AFSCME activist Lenny Hand was chosen as the 2009 Labor Person of the Year by Racine Area Labor Festivals, Inc. The award was presented to Lenny by Wisconsin AFL-CIO Pres. David Newby at Labor Day festivities in Racine.

Lenny joined his first union right out of high school, when he joined UAW Local 553 while working at Racine Steel/Belle City Malleable, where his mother Rose had already established a long history of union leadership.

He joined AFSCME Local 2239 when he went to work for the city of Racine. He served as the charter president of his local from 1971 to 1975.

In the mid-1970s, he became a member of AFSCME Local 67, where he held numerous positions over the years including Steward, Secretary, Vice President and President.

Lenny also is a past President of Racine’s AFL-CIO and of the Racine Labor Paper, during the come-back years when making up a deficit was a do-or-die responsibility.

In 2009, Lenny received the Racine County Democratic Party’s Jimmy Arena Award in recognition of his work on behalf of the party’s democratic principles. With his wife, Janice, he received the 2008 Racine County Mr. & Mrs. Solidarity Award.

Over the past year, Lenny has been equally busy, serving in a variety of roles in and for Racine, including Chair of AFSCME Retirees’ Sub-Chapter 133; 1st CD Chair for AFSCME Council 40 PEOPLE; member, Wisconsin Employee Trust Fund Coalition of Annuitants; Vice President, Racine County Democratic Party; and Treasurer, Racine Area Labor Festivals, Inc.

Lenny is survived by his wife, Janice Hand; brother, Joseph Hand; sisters, Becky Hand and Noreen (Doug) Cobb; brothers in law, Romuald (Betty) Braun, Bernard (Laverne) Braun and Joseph (Bonnie) Braun; and sister in law, Elizabeth (Les) Richards. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Lenny was preceded in death by his parents; brother John Hand; brothers in law, John and Gregory Braun; mother and father-in-law, Martin and Eleanor Braun; and maternal grandparents, Alexander and Ahavni “Ann” Sahagian.

A service of remembrance for Lenny will be held at the West Lawn Memorial Park Chapel on Saturday, February 13, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. followed by entombment. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home this Friday evening from 5 until 8 p.m.

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

Doreen M. (Ozard) Thielen

Doreen M. Thielen, age 95, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2010, at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center.  She was born in Racine on October 8, 1914, daughter of the late Donald and Julia (Nee: Marquis) Ozard.

Doreen was united in marriage to LeRoy J. Thielen who preceded her in death on April 16, 1979.  She attended Morris Business College and was employed as an administrative aide for the Social Security Office for 27 years and retired in 1980.  Doreen was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, a Charter member of St. Monica’s Guild, Past Vice-President and member of the Board of Directors of Tex Reynolds Toys For Tots, a member of the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and a member of the American Association of Retired Persons.   She will be dearly missed.

Surviving  are her sons and daughter-in-law, Geoffrey Thielen of Great Falls, MT, Gregory (Susan) Thielen of Eau Claire, WI; son-in-law, Robert Zigas of Racine; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  In addition to her parents and husband, she also was preceded in death by her daughter, Julie Zigas; and sister, Eileen (Theodore) Hoeveler.

A Memorial service will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Main and 7th Sts., on Friday, April 9, 2010, at 6 p.m. with the Reverend Liz Simmons officiating.  Private interment will be held at Graceland Cemetery.   Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Friday from 5 p.m. until time of service at 6 p.m.  Memorials to Toys for Tots have been suggested by the family.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center and Hospice Alliance for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Sadie E. (Gerdes) Seils

Sadie E. Seils, age 102, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2010, at Lakeshore Manor, Racine. Sadie was born in Danforth, IL, December 25, 1907, daughter of the late Herman and Gertrude (Nee: Saathoff) Gerdes and moved to Racine in July 2001 to live with her daughter and family.

On May 22, 1937, in Danforth, IL, she was united in marriage to Max E. Seils who preceded her in death, November 6, 1979. She and her husband owned and operated Fort Atkinson Knitting Mills for many years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Kankakee Women’s Club. Sadie enjoyed crocheting, spiritual readings, cooking and playing cards. Up until most recently she treasured time spent with her sisters on their various shopping sprees and the wonderful visits over coffee. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children, Ty (Sarah Jane) Seils of Palm Desert, CA, Marsha (Michael) Iggulden of Racine; her four grandchildren, Michelle (Slade) Smith, Nicole (George) Gilbert, all of Racine, Stephen Seils, Jennifer (Greg) Wilson, all of Palm Desert, CA; her eight great-grandchildren, Shey, Sydney and Saige Smith, Cole and Sadie Gilbert, Tanner, Logan, and Cooper Wilson; her sister, Pauline Neipert of Kankakee, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her six brothers and three sisters.

Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday, February 11, 2010, at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, 1480 W. Court Street, Kankakee, IL, at noon with visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. Interment will follow at Kankakee Memorial Gardens, IL. In Lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wisconsin Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Heart Assn. or to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

A special thank you to Dr. Jennifer Takata and the entire staff at Lakeshore Manor, 4th and 5th floors for their loving and compassionate care given to Sadie.

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

Arnold L. 'Arnie' Hildensperger

Arnold L. Hildensperger, 88, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, February 3, 2010.

Arnie was born in Wausau to the late Joe and Mary Hildensperger on July 16, 1921. He was a resident of Racine since 1949. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Botsford on November 22, 1947.

Mr. Hildensperger attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1943 and was employed by In-Sink-Erator from 1949 until 1978. He then worked for A & E Manufacturing until his retirement in 1988. Arnie served in the United States Army Air Corps as a Sergeant during World War II and also in India, Burma and China.

Mr. Hildensperger was a member of Christ Church United Methodist. He was the PER of Racine Elks Lodge # 252. He served as the manager of the Racine Elks Marching Band. He also was a member of the Masonic Organization Orient Chapter, the Racine Council, the Racine Commandery, the Racine Belle City Lodge # 18, the Racine Shriners and the Racine Eastern Star #45.

Arnie was an excellent athlete. He was # 34, Left End, for the semi-pro football team, the Wausau Muskies. He played Center on the basketball team of the Army Air Corps All Stars. He was the all-time # 1 Packer fan. Arnie was well loved by all who knew him.

The world will not be the same without you, Dad. We all love you so much.

Arnie is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of Racine; his daughter, Lynn (Paul) Walby of Morrisonville; his granddaughter, Michelle (Robert) Fetterer of Cary, Illinois; his sister, Mary Jo Hildensperger of Wausau; and one brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law, Donald (Helen) Botsford of Racine and Delores Hildensperger of Michigan. He was preceded in death by three brothers, John, James and Russell; and one sister, Donna.

Funeral services will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday evening, February 6, 2010, at 5 p.m. with Rev. Mark Swanson officiating. A public interment will be held at Mound Cemetery on Monday morning, February 8, 2010, at 11 a.m. Please meet at the entrance of the cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Saturday from 3 p.m. until the time of service.

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

Jean Tower Reid

Jean Tower Reid, age 80, passed away Monday, February 1, 2010, at her residence. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, February 14, 1929, she was daughter of the late Harold and Natalie (Nee: North) Tower. On December 27, 1950, she was united in marriage to G. Williams “Bill” Reid who preceded her in death Dec. 15, 2000.

Jean was passionate about environmental issues and had a great love of nature that was beautifully reflected in her artwork. She will be remembered as a natural athlete who made every sport seem effortless. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother and friend.

Surviving are her son, Bill (Nicole) Reid of Racine; daughter, Karen Reid of North Carolina; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary T. Moore.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 5, 2010, at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends are welcome to visit with the family beginning at 3:30 p.m. Memorials to The Prairie School, R.A.M. and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Peppa and Vanya, and many other wonderful caregivers of Eldcare Services who have provided love and compassion to Jean over the years.

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

Sister Davida (Davidica) Finn, O.P.

Sister Davida Finn, O.P., 94, passed away at Siena Center, Racine, on Monday, February 1, 2010.

Norma Virginia was born July 23, 1915, to Arthur D. and Anna M. (nee: Froelich) Finn in Merrill,WI. On April 26, 1941, she joined the Racine Dominicans and at her reception in 1942 she was given the religious name Sister Davidica. She professed her first vows in 1944 and her final vows in 1950. In 1968 she changed her name to Sister Davida.

Sister Davida spent many years in service to others in teaching and library work. She began her ministry in 1943 at St. Edward, Racine. Other places in Wisconsin where she served were St. Albertus College, Dominican College, St. Patrick, St. Joseph, and St. Catherine High School, Racine; Holy Cross, Kaukauna; St. Luke, Plain; Pio Nono High School, Milwaukee; and SS. Peter & Paul, Green Bay. She also served in Michigan and New Mexico. In 1975 she moved to Siena Center and served the Community by doing library service and working as a nurse’s aide. She also volunteered in the Senior Companion Program.

Sister Davida is survived by the Racine Dominican Sisters and Associates; her sister, Virginia (John) Otto; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Wesley and Donald; and sisters, Helen Finn, Dorothy Nohr and Marion Rose Scholtus.

Visitation will be in the Siena Center Chapel on Wednesday, February 3, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a Remembering Service at 2:30 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 4 p.m. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery Hwy 32. Memorials to the Racine Dominican Mission Fund have been suggested.

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

Duane C. Ollie

Duane C. Ollie, 58, passed away on February 1, 2010, at his residence.

Duane Ollie was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Leslie and Lillian (nee: Bell) Ollie on March 5, 1951, and lived in Racine for 16 years. He attended Western Michigan University and graduated from GTC with an ADN.

Mr. Ollie was employed with the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division as a registered nurse. He enjoyed crossword puzzles and fishing.

Duane is survived by his father, Leslie Ollie; his sister, Karen Elliott; his niece, LaVerne Caples; his nephew, Thomas Muhammad; two uncles. six aunts and a host of great-nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Ollie.

Funeral services will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday, January 6, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Charles Ramsey officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday evening, January 5, 2010, from 6 until 8 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

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