Carolyn Hays Harvey

Carolyn Hays Harvey died on Friday, September 9, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital after a brief illness.

Carolyn was born on February 25, 1929, in Paducah, KY, to the late Rutherford and Bernice (nee: Houser) Hays. She married Richard G. Harvey, Jr. on August 10, 1972.

She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in psychology. She then pursued a successful career in the world of business, working in marketing for Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio, for 15 years before she assumed a managerial position for seven years with Quaker Oats in Chicago, Illinois.

After moving to Racine in 1972, she devoted her organizational and leadership skills to many community organizations. She served on the board of the Racine United Way, Friends of the Library, River Bend Nature Center, the YWCA, Friends of the Wind Point Lighthouse, was a docent at the Racine Art Museum and was a trustee of the Village of Wind Point.

Although she was an excellent cook and a gracious hostess, she enjoyed dining out with friends and family and sampling restaurants on her many travels across the country and throughout Europe.

Carolyn loved learning, solving crosswords, playing bridge and was an avid reader who willingly shared her books. She was a loyal friend, always ready to provide practical help and she had a knack for facilitating and then celebrating others' successes.

Carolyn is survived by her step-daughter, Valerie Harvey of Pittsburgh, PA; her step-sons, Tim Harvey of Naples, Florida, and John Harvey of Bethany, PA; by her grand-nephew, Craig Jackson of Whittier, California; and her cousin, Rose Parrott of Greensburg, Kentucky. She also has eight step-grandchildren, David, Michael, Nada, Ross, Jeffrey (JR), Jacob, Adam and Sarah, along with nine step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 17. 2011, at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Reverend Liz Simmons officiating. Relatives and friends may meet at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Private interment will be held at Mound Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Health Care Network, Racine Zoo, the University of Kentucky or the Racine Art Museum.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at Wheaton Franciscan and Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Donald F. Hills

Donald F. Hills, age 85, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at Manor Care, Kenosha, WI. Donald was born in Racine on January 18, 1926, son of the late Francis and Matilda Hills.

Donald attended Holy Name Catholic School and St. Catherine’s High School but never graduated with his class, as he enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 16. However, at age 76 Don received his diploma from St. Catherine’s at a special assembly for veterans. At Great Lakes he became a corpsman and ultimately went to San Diego attached to the Marine Corps. During his deployment to Bougainville in the South Pacific he saw a lot of action putting his expertise to work. After serving in the Pacific, he went to Germany during the Occupation.

After returning home he worked at American Motors in Kenosha in the aircraft division as an inspector. He also worked for his father, who owned Lee Dolf’s and later Kappus Bakery and Peter C. Beck Company. On October 2, 1954, in Elkhorn, WI, he was united in marriage to Vera Pahlke and adopted Vera’s son, Mark. Don was a member of Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, and the VFW Post 1391.

Don’s real passion was for the veterans and he worked diligently with the VFW, promoting its programs. He was Post Commander of VFW Post 1391 three times, served on the Post Honor Guard, and was District Commander. He also served on the Credentials Committee and as State Chairman of the Community Activity and Youth Programs. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed playing golf. Before hurricane Katrina, Don and Vera would visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast to enjoy the camaraderie with friends, going to the many casinos, Mardi Gras parades, golfing, playing cards and potlucks. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Vera; his son, Michael (Pat) Hills of Racine; his daughter, Cheryl (Ray) Brasher of MS; daughter-in-law, Ruth Hills of Racine; grandson, Kris Brasher of MS; step-grandchildren, Byron Oakes, Cindy Wirtz, Brenda (Gene) Watson; sister, Vondell Kis of Racine; numerous nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark Hills in 1993.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held Saturday, September 10, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, 1700 S. Green Bay Road, with Rev. Kara Baylor officiating. Interment will be held at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Elkhorn, WI. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.

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

Willie Lee (Glover) Price

Willie Lee Price, age 83, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan–All Saints Medical Center. Willie was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 24, 1927, daughter of the late Pine and Mary (Nee: Frazier) Glover.

She was employed by Western Publishing and retired from Ruud Lighting. Willie was a faithful and longtime member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. She will be forever remembered for her impeccable flair for fashion, her stunning appearance “red lipstick,” “red on her cheeks,” and loved her boots. Willie was well loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Willie is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 Center St., Wednesday September 14, 2011, with Bishop L.L. Kirby officiating. Private interment will be held. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church Wednesday from 10  a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.

“Have a Blessed Day”

Thanks and glory to all the staff at Wheaton Franciscan ICU   for their loving and compassionate care. 

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

Joseph 'Joe' B. Rizzo

Joseph B. Rizzo, age 60, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer. Joe was born in Racine on June 14, 1951, son of the late Joseph E. Rizzo and Lois M. (Nee: Fredericks) Rode.

Joe attended William Horlick High School. He owned and operated Elmwood Car Company for twenty years. He had a zest for life and cherished time spent with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his son, Tony Rizzo (Samantha Koffman) of Racine; sisters and brothers, Sherry Rizzo, Steve (Cammie) Rizzo, Dawn (Dan) Fox, Lori (Steve) Fink; nephews and nieces, Christopher Rizzo, Amy (Beau) Ashton, Lisa Rizzo (Brian), Peter and Sean Fox, Theresa (Devin) Watson, Nicholas Fink; his former wife, Cherie Chapman and her children, John and Rachel; aunts, uncles, other relatives and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 12, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Private entombment will be held at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until time of service at 7 p.m.

A very special thank you to all Joe’s friends who he always considered as “family” for their love and support through this difficult time, and to the nurses and staff at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee, for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Richard Aul

Richard Aul left this world to rejoin his Creator on September 6, 2011. Richard was born in Racine to Jean and Oswald Aul on January 10, 1934.

He attended Racine area schools after which time he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean conflict. Following his discharge with the rank of sergeant, Dick was employed at American Motors and at Hamilton Beach. He then joined the Racine Fire Department, from which he eventually retired.

On December 3, 1960, Richard was joined in marriage to Charlotte Green. Richard and Charlotte enjoyed many happy years together traveling throughout the United States accompanied by their dogs. They also enjoyed the time they spent with their relatives and close friends over the years. They spent their later years relaxing in northern Wisconsin.

Richard had many hobbies and interests. He was one of the first firefighters to participate in a scuba diving recovery team. Dick was also an avid hunter with bow and rifle and traveled to nearby states to hunt wild boar and antelope. He was also a talented artist and did commercial art as well as portrait art and landscapes. Richard developed a particular interest in wood carving and carved a number of decoys and other wildlife.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, and loving wife, Charlotte. He is survived by his brother, Eugene Aul; sister-in-law, JoAnne Green; brother-in-law, John (Patricia) Green; as well as nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 12, 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 Monday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Memorials to the Racine Zoological Society or to the Racine Public Library have been suggested.

Richard’s family would like to thank Dr. Michael Scheutz as well as the staff at All Saints Cancer Clinic for the compassionate care provided to him.

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

Sandra D. (Haigh) Spaulding

Sandra D. Spaulding, age 65, passed away Monday, September 5, 2011, at Froedtert Memorial Hospital. Sandra was born in Racine, September 25, 1945, daughter of the late John and Hazel Haigh. She was employed with Gordon Auto Parts for twenty-five years and was last working at Car Quest.

Survivors include her son, Scott Nixa of Racine; other relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends are welcome to meet at the funeral home for a visitation on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

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

Lillian E. (Straszkowski) Ratzburg

Lillian Elizabeth Ratzburg (nee: Straszkowski) found eternal rest on September 3, 2011, at the age of 88.

Born July 7, 1923, Lillian was the beloved mother of Janice (John) Topczewski, Joellen Krippendorf (fiancé Tim) and James. She was the proud grandmother of Joseph (Anna), Jeremy, Janell Topczewski, and Ryan and Kurt Krippendorf. Lillian is further survived by her sisters, Pearl Lake and Ruth Linneman; sister-in-law, Betty Straszkowski; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; parents, Joseph and Frances; sister, Jeanette Rygiel; and brother, Felix.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 10, at St. Mary by the Lake Catholic Church, 7605 Lakeshore Dr., Racine, WI 53404, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial.

The family would like to thank the staff of Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion. Special thanks to Jen, Amanda, and Gail for always being there. In addition, thank you to the staff at Hospice House for making mom's final days those of comfort.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Lillian’s name to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund.

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