Albert J. Goebel

Albert J. Goebel, age 80, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. He was born in Racine, August 13, 1930, son of the late Albert J. and Madeline  "Maggie" (Nee: Draeger) Goebel.

Albert proudly served in the United States Army stationed in Alaska. On March 22, 1955, in Racine he was united in marriage to Donna L. Mundstock, who preceded him in death on November 17, 1999. Albert was employed as a machinist for thirty years with J.I. Case Company until his retirement in 1992. He enjoyed bowling and taking walks, and in his younger years he liked scuba diving. Albert was an avid Brooklyn Dodger fan. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Debra (Richard) Biondi, Julie (Steven) Verheyen, all of Racine; his four grandchildren, Jessica Mielke, Sarah Biondi, Steven, Olivia, and Samantha Verheyen; his great-granddaughter, Madelynn; brother-in-law, Kenny (Reena) Mundstock of Racine; close cousin, Edward Goebel; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his sisters, Sharon Bedard and Donna Walton.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 14, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Friday at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at St. Monica’s and also to the nurses and doctors at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center for their loving care and compassion.

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

Richard 'Dick' J. Carpenter

Richard “Dick” J. Carpenter, age 75, passed away early Saturday morning, January 8, 2011, at Wheaton- Franciscan-All Saints Hospital. Richard was born in Racine, October 8, 1935, son of the late Lester and Gerta (nee: Hansen) Carpenter.

He attended Wm. Horlick High School. During his tenure in the military from 1953-1977, Dick proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division and later served in the U.S. Air Force and the Army Reserves. Richard was employed with J.I. Case Co for many years until his retirement in 1991. Dick will be remembered as a man of few words who always got his point across. He will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his two children, Jenny Carpenter (Steve Sieg) of Eau Claire, Terry Carpenter of Minneapolis, MN; two grandchildren, Cortney and Andrew; brother, Donald Carpenter of Racine; sister, Delores Jorgenson of Racine; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at 6 p.m. Interment with Full Military Honors will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home Wednesday from 4 p.m. until time of service at 6 p.m.

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

Michael Jon Peterson

Sturtevant – Michael Jon Peterson, 70, passed away at Ridgewood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday, January 8, 2011.

Michael Peterson was born in Eau Claire to the late Herbert and Elizabeth (nee: Lubinski) Peterson on October 2, 1940. He moved to Racine in 1965 and was united in marriage to Patricia Mae Perkins on September 2, 1966. He lived in Sturtevant since 1967.

Mr. Peterson served in the United States Army in Germany from 1960 until 1964. He was employed at Twin Disc for 38 years, retiring in 2003. He enjoyed his Harley Davidson, old western movies and History. He had a good sense of humor with a heart of gold. Most of all, Mr. Peterson was a family man. He was good to his wife, children and grandchildren.

Michael will be dearly missed by his wife, Patricia; two children, Peggy (Grant) Sheldon and David (Erica) Peterson; four grandchildren, Shayne Peterson, Grant Sheldon III, Taylor Peterson and Grace Sheldon; one brother, Dennis (Diane) Peterson; one sister, Annette (Kenton) Chartrand; other relatives and friends.

A funeral ceremony will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 7 p.m. Relatives and friends may meet with the family from 4 p.m. until the time of ceremony. Private interment will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.

The Peterson family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Michael Mullane and staff and the staff on 1 East of Ridgewood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their kind and compassionate care of both Michael and his family.

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

Virginia Pearl Bittorf

Mrs. Virginia P. Bittorf, 81, passed away at her home on Saturday, January 8, 2011.

Virginia Pearl was born in Oshkosh to the late Harry and Edna (nee: Ott) Volz on December 4, 1929. She lived in Racine for most of her life. She was united in marriage to William Bittorf, who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Bittorf attended Racine Lutheran High School and was in the first graduating class in 1947. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church and volunteered at the Racine Lutheran High School Thrift Shop. She continued to support the Lutheran church and school throughout her life. Mrs. Bittorf owned the Racine News Agency and later was employed by the Racine Public Schools. She was the first female building engineer for the school system. She retired in 1985. Virginia was a very reliable and caring person. Her family and friends could always count on her for help. There are many stories of how she would help family and friends in need.

Virginia will be sadly missed by her three children, Susan Bittorf, Steven (Jane) Bittorf and William (Sara) Bittorf; four grandchildren, Ryan, Jacquelen, Matthew and Drew; two brothers, Arnold (Doris) Volz and Robert (Darlene) Volz; two sisters, Lorraine Wagner and Francis Volz; and other relatives and friends.

A funeral ceremony will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 3700 Washington Ave., on Tuesday morning, January 11, 2011, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Randall Poppe and Rev. Thomas Chryst officiating. Interment will follow at Mound Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the ceremony. Memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church or to Racine Lutheran High School.

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

Maria E. Ekstowicz

Maria Elena Ekstowicz, age 41, passed away Friday, January 7, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan Medical Center. She was born in Racine, November 17, 1969.

Surviving are her children, Christopher and Kacie Snyder; her mother, Carmen Ekstowicz; sisters, Michelle, Amanda and Nina; a brother, Ricky; her grandmother, Maria Koffler; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Moreno.

She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Private services were held.

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

Raymond E. Lingsweiler

Raymond E. Lingsweiler, age 92, passed away peacefully early Friday morning January 7, 2010, at Lakeshore Manor. Raymond was born in Sturtevant March 7, 1918, son of the late Raymond and Ada (nee: Galloway) Lingsweiler.

He was a graduate of Wm. Horlick High School “Class of 1936.” During World War II, he proudly served in the U.S. Army and was involved in “The Battle of the Bulge.” Raymond was married to the former Evelyn Niesen, who preceded him in death May 4, 1995. He was employed with Howard Industries for many years and was last working with Webster Electric for ten years until his retirement in 1983. He later married Dorothy (nee: Jandl) Ellis.  Ray was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church and sang in the choir for many years. Ray was an avid sports fan, Packer fan and his favorite pastime was golf. He will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife, Dorothy; two sons, Curtis (Nanette) Lingsweiler of Milwaukee, Bruce (Kate) Lingsweiler of Racine; grandchildren, Ryan (Brandy), Erin, Kirsten, Ethan, Shaun, Megan; sister, Jean (Vern) Swanson; nieces, Carol (Mark) Tousignant, Jeanne Marquis, Mary Thurau, Barbara Fredrickson, Susan Khoursand, Karen Carlson; step-son, Robert (Jeanne) Ellis; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 728 Villa St., on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 11 a.m., with Rev. John D. Roekle officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Mound Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Memorials to Lakeshore Manor or First Evangelical Lutheran Church Organ Fund have been suggested.

The family extends a special thank you to the entire staff of Lakeshore Manor for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Walter 'Eddie' Grzyb

Walter Grzyb, “Eddie”, age 77, passed away Friday, January 7, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. Walter was born in Racine, July 22, 1933, son of the late Frank and Mary (Nee: Ruthkowski) Grzyb.

Walter served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. On October 15, 1955, at St. Rose Catholic Church he was united in marriage to Florence A. Giordana. Walter was employed by Racine Steel Castings for 31 years, retiring in 1985. He was a life member of VFW Post 1391. He was an avid Packers fan, enjoyed sports, puttering around the house and casino bus trips. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the great grandkids. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Florence;  four children, Mark (Susan) Grzyb of Franklin, WI, Katherine (Michael) Lawson of Wausau, WI, Mary Kay (Michael) Monday of Racine, Lawrence (Lisa) Grzyb of Racine; eight grandchildren, Matthew (Amy) Grzyb and Nathan Grzyb (Sarah Rogers), Lauren and Lindsay Miller, Michael Monday (Kristin Leto), Melinda Monday (Ricky Lozano), Collin and Tyler Grzyb; two great-grandsons, Michael Edward Charles Monday and Brady Scott Lozano; as well as his extended family, Josh (Jessica) Shawhan and their children, Natalie and Dominic Shawhan and Cindy Grzyb; his sister, Lillian Erick of Racine; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Edward (Patricia) Giordana of Maize, KS, Betty (Paul) Gingrass of Iron Mountain, MI, Lawrence (Margaret) Giordana of Monterey Park, CA, Rosemary (Richard) DeRidder of Norway, MI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Grzyb; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Angeline Giordana. 

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Jeffrey M. Thielen officiating. Private interment with full military honors will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet Tuesday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until time of service at 7 p.m. Memorials to the family for the great-grandchildren’s education or one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

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