William F. Waterpool

William F. Waterpool, 86, died Saturday, April 3, 2010, at Wheaton-Franciscan All Saints Hospital, Racine. Bill died as he had lived his life – his way and on his terms. He passed peacefully with his sons Bill and Bob by his side.

Bill was born September 30, 1923, son of the late William F. and Amy (Nee: Bonsall) Waterpool in Neenah, Wisconsin. His childhood was spent in Richland Center and Rice Lake. His family then moved to Marinette, where he completed his senior year and graduated from Marinette High School in 1941. He attended freshman year at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and was then drafted into service (WW II). He attended basic training and was sent to officers training at Mississippi State College. He entered the war as a Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers; serving in Germany he was among the troops who liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp. After the war ended, he visited with family in the village where his maternal grandfather had immigrated from, Monyash, Derbyshire, England. Returning from the war, Bill completed his education at the University of Wisconsin Madison, graduating with a Bachelor's of Business Administration in 1950.

He was hired by Belle City Malleable Iron and Steel, where he worked for six months prior to being drafted into the Korean War. He was sent to Alaska where he met his late wife, Capt. Lyda McLean (Nee: Hall). They were married in June 1952, in Seattle, Washington. They returned to Racine where Bill resumed his job in sales at Belle City (later Racine Steel Castings). He worked for Racine Steel for 37 years, retiring as Manager of Sales and Marketing Research in 1983.

In retirement, Bill enjoyed competing in Seniors golf and flying his ultralight plane with his friend and neighbor Bud Bell. He and his wife Lyda spent winters in Homosassa, Florida, near his brother Kent and also visited Lyda’s sisters and brother in Florida and Alabama. Bill’s wife Lyda passed away in August 1999. He remained staunchly independent and lived in his own home with the devoted aid of his son Bob (son Bill was called for backup when backup was needed). Bill was also a student of politics, finance and medicine – all topics he could debate with the most astute.

Bill is survived by his sons, Bill (William F. Waterpool III) of Chicago, and Bob (Robert Kent Waterpool) of Racine; brother, Kent B. Waterpool of Homosassa, Florida; brother-in-law, Buddy Hall of Montgomery Alabama; and many devoted friends and neighbors.

Bill requested that no formal services be held, but his sons (being staunchly independent themselves) request that friends and family join them at their father’s home on Saturday, April 10, 2010, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. for a casual gathering in their father’s honor.

Bill’s sons Bob and Bill would like to thank the many devoted nurses, nurses aides and doctors and staff at Wheaton-Franciscan All Saints Hospital for their compassionate care during a difficult time. Thanks also to his general physician Dr. David Zablotney for his personal care and attention. Extra special thanks are extended to his neighbors and friends Molly and Mike Batzner, and Sue Cordier for their caring companionship.

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

Mary S. (Simonson) Kosterman

Mary S. Kosterman, passed away at home in Cottonwood, Arizona, on April 3, 2010, under the watchful eye and devoted care of her youngest daughter, Lynn, just 25 days shy of her 95th birthday.

Mary was born in Racine on April 28, 1915, to Arthur William and Edna (Nee:  Hare) Simonson.  On August 14, 1937, she married Stedman J. Kosterman, who preceded her in death on October 28, 2003.  Mary and Sted were residents of Racine and Kenosha Counties over the years until 1995 when they pulled up roots and moved to Cottonwood, Arizona, to live with their daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Scott. 

Mary is survived by her daughters, Mary “Gail” (Paul) Kruppstadt of Racine and Lynn Kosterman of Cottonwood; very special nieces and nephews and her “granddogs,” Abbey, Becky and Katie.   In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Scott Long; a brother, William Simonson; and sister, Nancy Barkley.

Everyone is welcome to meet at the west entrance of West Lawn Memorial Park, 9000 Washington Ave., on  Saturday, April 10, 2010, at 11 a.m.  for graveside service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Northern Arizona Hospice, 203 South Candy Lane, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 have been suggested.  

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

George Conrad

George Conrad, age 88, died at his residence on Saturday, April 3, 2010, surrounded by the loving presence of his family.  George was born January 28, 1922, in Racine to the late Mr. and Mrs. Louis and Helen (Nee:  Cerna) Conrad. 

George was a graduate of William Horlick High School “Class of 1940.”  He served in the United States Navy.  George was employed by Chicago North Western Railroad for thirty-seven years until his retirement in 1982.  He was a devoted member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for over fifty years.  George was a member of Racine Numismatic Society (RNS), International Bank Note Society (IBNS), AHEPA, VFW Post 1391, American Legion, Kenosha Coin Club and Retired Railroad Workers Union.  Above all he was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed. 

On November 24, 1951, he was united into marriage to Christine (Nee:  Vakos) who preceded him in death, July 12, 2002.  He is survived by their six children: Mark Conrad of Clemson, SC, Sculla (Jean) Conrad-Bordeaux of Crockett, CA, Chel Sea Conrad of Nice, CA, Georgia (Randy) Harod of Martinez, GA, Geoffrey (Judy) Conrad of Thompson, GA, and Catherine (Lee) Mikell of Racine.  He is further survived by sisters: Millie (Santos) Recupero of Camarillo, CA, Alyce Tasca of Titusville, FL, Carol (Jerry) Mason of Colorado Springs, CO, sister-in-law, Georgia Vakos of Columbia, SC, his lifelong childhood friend, Paul Peterson of Berkeley, CA, and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and close friends.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Cogswell.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 8, 2010, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 614 Main St., with Rev. Liz Simmons officiating.  Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at the funeral home from 5p.m. until 7 p.m. and Thursday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. 

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

Bennie E. Hunter

Bennie E. Hunter, age 58, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2010, at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, Milwaukee, WI.   Bennie was born in Fayette, Mississippi, November 27, 1951.

Survivors include his mother, Jamie Hunter; his sisters and brothers, Annie Williams, Tracy Hunter, Valessa Hunter, Lindall (Shandra) Rushing, Jim Woodley, Larry Hunter, Ronnie Hunter; aunt, Louise Hunter; nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives and many dear friends. 

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 9, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.

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

Margaret Ann 'Peggy' (Cookson) Dahl

Margaret Ann “Peggy” Dahl, age 68, passed away Saturday evening April 3, 2010, at Froedtert Lutheran Memorial Hospital in Milwaukee.  Margaret was born in Williston, ND, October 17, 1941 daughter of the late Thomas and Rosella (nee: Rohrenbach) Cookson.

On April 4, 1964, Peggy was united in marriage to Kermit L Dahl at Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, Montana, and moved to Racine shortly thereafter.  She was a school teacher for over thirty years until she retired from St. Sebastian’s Parochial School.  She had previously taught in Montana and at Sacred Heart School in Racine.  Peggy was an active member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church.  She enjoyed playing cribbage, spending time with friends at SCORES and her annual trips to northeastern Montana.  Above all, she loved her time spent with her family, especially with her grandchildren cooking fudge, cookies and desserts.  Peggy will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her husband of forty-six years, Kermit; her children, Kim (Robin) Dahl, Kara (Rich) Shawhan;  grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Cody, and Lauren Shawhan, Robert and Andrew Dahl;  sister, Jeanne French of Plentywood, MT;  brother, Jack (Patty) Cookson of Butte, MT; sister-in-law, Ginny Dahl of Sturtevant;  nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.  In addition to her parents, Peggy was also preceded in death by her infant daughter, Kelly; her brothers, Tom and Dick; and her sisters, Mary Mae and Katherine Rae.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Ave., on Friday, April 9, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating.  Private interment will be held.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home Thursday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church Friday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m.  Memorials to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

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

Anne (Hein) Larson

Anne Larson, age 91, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2010, at Ridgewood Care Center.  Anne was born in Barwenkova, Russia, April 18, 1918, daughter of the late John and Amalia (Nee:  Burchart) Hein.  She came to the United States in 1923.

Anne was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed crocheting, bowling, golfing and belonged to the Washington Park Golf League for many years.  Above all she was a devoted wife and mother who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her son, Robert F. Larson; son-in-law, David L. Miller; sisters, Ema Waitt, Hattie Davis; sister-in-law, Ardys Larson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.   In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Larson; her daughter, Sharon Anne Miller; and sister, Mary Stratman.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 8, 2010, at noon at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 728 Villa St., with Rev. Aaron Dolan officiating.  Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the church from 11 a.m. until time of service at noon.  Memorials to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Ridgewood Care Center for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Belva 'Bonnie' M. Salerno

Bonnie M. Salerno, 85, passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints.

Bonnie was born in Iowa on September 15, 1924, the daughter of Chester and Lestelle (nee: Everts) Laymon. She was united in marriage to Armand ‘Sarge’ Salerno on July 14, 1945, at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois. Bonnie had been employed at JI Case Company in Reliability Analysis/Div. of Quality Control, retiring after 27 years of service.

She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church and a proud shareholder in her son Gary’s business, Steeltech Ltd. of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Bonnie is survived by her son, Gary L. Salerno of Springlake, Mich.; grandsons, Tony Salerno of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Matt Salerno of Springlake, Mich., She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends in Racine and her Steeltech family in Michigan.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, “Sarge,” on December 7, 1998; sisters, Jean Chasko and Vickie Pfeil.

Funeral services for Bonnie will be held at First Baptist Church, 3117 Lathrop Ave., on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Holly Anderle officiating.  Bonnie will be laid to rest next to her husband at West Lawn Memorial Park following services.  There will be a visitation at church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m.

Memorials in Bonnie’s memory may be directed to First Baptist Church.

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