Richard E. Johnson

Richard E. Johnson, age 86, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2010, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Racine, February 19, 1924, son of the late Henry and Christina (Nee: Hansen) Johnson.

He proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII. In June of 1967, Richard was united in marriage to Lois M. Allen (Nee: Hansen). He was employed by Twin Disc for twenty years until his retirement. He was a member of the VFW Post 1391.

Richard was an avid Cubs fan, and loved his Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed playing pool at the Salvation Army with his family and friends. He shot darts and bowled as often as he could. No perch was safe when Richard had a fishing rod in his hand.

Surviving are his children: Jennifer Johnson, Scott Allen, Debbie (John) Allen-Roginski, Dale (Tamra) Allen, Michael Johnson, Eleanor Hinds, Sharon (John) Allen-Martinoff, and Gary (Alta) Johnson; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother, Robert (Joan); and sister, Margaret; a very loving and special friend, Edith Miller; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife he also was preceded in death by his siblings; Arlene, Earl, Elmer and Walter; and sons-in-law, Mitch Kleczka and Robert Hinds III.

Relatives and friends are welcome to celebrate Richard’s life on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 745 Main St. Services commence at 11:30 a.m. with Chaplain David Baugher officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Somers.

A special thank you to the caregivers of Hospice Alliance, especially Diane and Amy for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Rose Mary 'Rosie' (Smith) Werner Kranick

Rose Mary “Rosie” Werner Kranick, age 84, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2010, at her residence.  Rosie was born in Racine, August 1, 1925, daughter of the late Lawrence W. and Jeannette (Nee:  Higgins) Smith.

Rosie was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School and Marquette University.  She was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church, Meadowbrook Country Club, sustaining member of the Racine Junior League, and past member of the Kenosha Country Club.  Rosie was a fine lady who will be missed dearly.  

In addition to her parents, Rosie was preceded in death by her first husband, Eugene F. Werner, and daughter, Ann “Annie” Marie Werner; second husband, Bruce Kranick; sisters, Patty Konsin, Virginia (Rudy) Holbus, Kathleen (Thomas) Flatley; three half-brothers, Dr. Philip Smith, Dr. Robert Smith and Dr. Richard Smith; and a brother-in-law Lewis (Dorothy) Kranick.

Survivors include her brothers, Dr. Lawrence W. (Mary) Smith of Racine; brother-in-law, Steve Konsin of Florida; sister-in-law Ann (James) Johns of WV; Bruce’s children, Sara “Sally” (James) Grant of New Berlin,  Nancy (Roger) Pfaffle of Waukesha,  Richard (Mary) Kranick of Wichita, KS;  seven grandchildren, Meghan (David) Koos, Peter (Aria) Grant, Ryan and Caitlyn Pfaffle, Sarah, Mary Elizabeth, and Matthew Kranick; two great-granddaughters, Eva and Elena Koos; dear friend, Paul Cera; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.  Also survived by the Thursday Morning Breakfast Club. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at 11 a.m. at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., with Rev. Joseph G. Stobba OSA, Rev. Henry Maibush OSA, Rev. Ronald O. Crewe, and Rev. John D. Aiello concelebrating.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and Wednesday at church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m.   Memorials to the Annie Werner Scholarship Fund at St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested. 

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Richard Odders, Mary Jensen of Wheaton-Franciscan Hospice and the Hospice caregivers, and Deborah Ambrose of Society’s Assets for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Helen E. (White) Evans

Helen E. Evans, age 91, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at Wheaton-Franciscan All Saints Medical Center.  Helen was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on December 5, 1918, daughter of the late William and Nell (Nee:  Heckman) White.

Helen was raised in Pittsburgh, graduated from high school in Chicago, and moved to Racine in 1948.  She was united in marriage to John B. Evans, who preceded her in death on Father’s Day in 1981.  Helen owned and operated Magic Scissors Beauty Studio since 1968 and was a member of the National Cosmetology Association.  Helen enjoyed sewing and treasured time spent camping with her family and friends.  Above all, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children, Helen Brook, Grant (Mary Lou) Evans, Jack (Beverly) Evans; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; brother, James (Christina) Kowalski; niece, Diana Lynn Bent; nephew, Wallace White Jr.; son-in-law, Luke Mordja; other relatives and many dear friends.  In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her daughters, Roberta Jean McFarlane, Jill Mordja; her grandson, Randall Guarascio; granddaughter, Laura Jean Smith; son-in-law, Ronald Brook; and brothers, William and Wallace White.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at noon at the funeral home with Rev. Kevin Mieczkowski officiating.  Entombment will follow at Mound Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until time of service at  noon.  

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staffs at Home Instead, Lakeshore Manor, and Wheaton-Franciscan All Saints Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care.

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

LaVerne L. (Qualler) Schultz

LaVerne L. Schultz, age 84, passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2010.  LaVerne was born in Racine, WI,  May 17, 1925, daughter of the late Lenard and Marie (Nee:  Matson) Qualler.

LaVerne was a graduate of Park High School.  On August 17, 1946, she was united in marriage to William “Bill” A. Schultz Sr. who recently preceded her in death, March 28, 2010.   LaVerne and Bill owned and operated Schultz Jewelers of Racine for over forty years.  LaVerne was also employed by Walker Manufacturing and Modine Manufacturing for a number of years.  She was involved with the West Racine Business Association, the Racine Ambassadors, Walker Girls Club and Matson Family Club. 

LaVerne was a great supporter of all things Racine -- the lake, parades, picnics, family, neighbors and friends.  She enjoyed casinos regardless of their location.  Most of all she loved spending time and traveling with her family; her fondest saying was "Let's take a drive."  LaVerne traveled the world and she always had a constant traveling partner in Bill and her daughter, Denise. She will be deeply missed. 

Survivors include her children, William A. (Lynnette) Schultz Jr. of Chandler, AZ, Denise Schultz of Eden Prairie, MN; sisters, Beverly (Chuck) Evans of Crossville, TN, and Marjorie Short of Sydney, Australia; sister-in-law, Diane (Ken) Schaefer of Rockford, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Clifford (Maye) Qualler and Rodger (Mary Sue) Qualler. 

Combined funeral services for LaVerne and Bill will be held Monday, April 12, 2010, 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Brad Van Fossen officiating.  Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.   Relatives and friends may meet at the funeral home Sunday, April 11, at 3-6 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of service.  Memorials to the American Cancer Society have been suggested. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Becker-Shoop and Hospice Alliance for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Penny Rae (Barnes) Highman

Penny Rae Highman, age 54, passed away Monday, April 5, 2010, at the Hospice House, Pleasant Prairie, WI.  Penny was born in Racine, January 5, 1956, daughter of Myrl and Katherine A. (Nee:  Corrigan) Barnes.

Penny was employed by Donna’s Diner for a number of years, and was a bartender at Snoopy’s, Viking Lounge, and last working at Winner’s Circle.  She had a zest for life and enjoyed the company of others.  She will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her husband, Greg; her son, Brian Robbins; her two granddaughters, Angelica and Samantha; her father, Myrl Barnes; sister, Robin (Harold) Benson; brother, Myrl Barnes Jr.; nieces, Kathryn (Gary) Maiden, Jane Schultz; other relatives and many dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine; infant sister, Penny Rae; grandparents, George  and Eva Barnes; and nephew Christopher Zehr.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 17, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. David Sincock officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the funeral home from noon  until time of service.  Memorials to the Hospice House or to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.
  
    The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Hospice House for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Daryl H. Leiberg

Daryl H. Leiberg, 60, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2010, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints surrounded by his family.

Daryl was born in Milwaukee, on October 14, 1949, the son of Edward A. and Mary E. (Nee:  Scherschel) Leiberg.  He was united in marriage to Jeanne Mueller in Las Vegas, NV, on April 17, 1993.  He was employed at Racine Iron and Wire Works for over 20 years, retiring on December 31, 2009.   Daryl enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially watching ‘Junior’s’ football games.  He also valued his times in Eagle River and was a devoted Packer Fan. 

Daryl will be sadly missed by his wife, Jeanne; his son and daughter-in-law, Bill (Irma) Mueller; four grandchidren, Dionna, Anissa, Anjelica and Bill Jr.; his mother, Mary E. Leiberg; one brother, Jeffrey L. Leiberg; one sister and brother-in-law, Eileen (Louis) Cruz; mother-in-law, Eunice Mueller; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill (Jean) Mueller, all of Racine, and Todd Mueller of Kenosha.  He is further survived by a niece, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He will also be missed by his best friend, ‘Big D’ his beloved dog.  He was preceded in death by his father, Edward A. Leiberg; one brother, Edward A. Leiberg; and his father-in-law, Ted Mueller.

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Daryl will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2010, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Chaplain Mark Grobner officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet Saturday at the funeral home from noon until  time of service at 1 p.m. 

The family would like to offer a special Thank You to Deb B., Julie L. Crystal, Kayla and Chaplain Mark at All Saints ICU for their care and compassion to Daryl and his family.

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

Rose Eleanor Horak

Rose Eleanor Horak, age 91, passed away Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, at Mitchell Manor, Oak Creek, WI.  Rose was born in Mason City, IA, October 8, 1918, daughter of the late Frank and Caroline (Nee:  Slovak) Horak and was a long-time resident of Racine.

Rose was a graduate of William Horlick High School.  She worked at Western Printing and Lithographing Company, and the Wisconsin Gas Company (now WE Energies).  Rose was a lifelong parishioner of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church.  She was an avid bowler.  

Rose is survived by nieces and nephews and their families, many friends and out-of-state and overseas relatives.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Lydia “Lee” (Alfred) Hauch, Frank (Rose) Horak, Elsie (George) Kaplan, William (Camille) Horak, Caroline “June” Horak, and Juliet (Raymond) Machajewski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at 10 a.m. at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 1903 Green St.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass.  Memorials in Rose’s name to St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church have been suggested.

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