James W. 'Jimmy' Rotes

Surrounded by his loving family, James W. “Jimmy” Rotes, age 58, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at his residence. James was born in Racine, November 14, 1952, son of the late William and Lucille (Nee: Gavahan) Rotes.

Jim was a graduate of William Horlick High School “Class of 1971.” On July 8, 1978, at the Assembly of God Church, he was united in marriage to Cindy L. Schuster. He was employed by the city of Racine with DPW for thirty-four years. James was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. An accomplished musician, Jimmy loved his time spent playing soprano bugle with the Racine Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps. Previously, he had played with The Racine Explorer Scouts, The Boys of 76, and the The Chicago Connection. A sports enthusiast, he also enjoyed the Packers and Brewers. A laid-back guy, he also enjoyed crossword and Sudoku puzzles, coffee and a good cigar. Jimmy will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of thirty-three years, Cindy; his son, Calvin Rotes of Racine; his brother and sisters, Michael Rotes of Jacksonville, FL; Carol Bulik of Jacksonville, FL; Kathleen (David) Possing of Hokah, MN, Barbara Lesnik of Kenosha; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Rotes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy. 32. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with family on Friday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass.

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

Betty Lou (Schoellkopf) Larson

Greendale, WI  – Betty Lou Larson, age 83, passed away Sunday, November 13, 2011, at her residence. Betty was born in Fort Atkinson, WI, on April 27, 1928, daughter of the late Gurther J. and Ruth M. (Nee: Peterson) Schoellkopf.

Betty was a graduate of Whitewater High School “Class of 1946.” On April 28, 1979, she was united in marriage to Edwin Larson who preceded her in death in 1999. Betty was employed with AT&T for thirty-six years, retiring in 1982. She was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and former member of the 5th Street Yacht Club. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy (Ronald) Schilling of Greendale, WI; five stepdaughters; grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at noon at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until time of service at noon.

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

Jens Martinsen

Jens Martinsen, 58, passed away suddenly at WFH-All Saints on Saturday, November 12, 2011.

Jens was born in Racine to the late Alf and Edel (nee: Madsen) Martinsen on August 22, 1953, and had lived his entire life in Racine. On February 28, 1981, he was united in marriage to Lori (nee: LaFever) and together they shared nearly 31 years.

Jens was employed as a Field Supervisor in the Weatherization Department for the Racine-Kenosha Community Action Agency. When he wasn’t helping others, he was devoted to his family and especially loved taking his grandchildren to karate lessons and watching his Packers.

Jens will be deeply missed by his wife, Lori; four sons; James (Dawn), Scott, Robert and Matthew Sr. (Jamie); seven grandchildren, Gabriella, Joshua, Briana, Matthew Jr., Kailyn, Hannah and Anabelle; two sisters, Gitte (Steve) Stupar and Lena Madsen; his god-children, Tom, Sara, Jayden, Steven and Karrie; as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Audrey LaFever, father-in-law, Dale LaFever Sr., brother-in-law, Joel LaFever; sister-in-law, Joan Evans; two nephews, Brian LaFever and Keller McQuay; as well as his furry companion, Duke.

Funeral services in honor of Jens will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. and services beginning at 11 a.m. with Rev. Bill Grimbol officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.

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

Alex J. Hollow

Surrounded by his loving family, Alex J. Hollow, age 94, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center.  Alex was born in Terre Haute, IN, on December 1, 1916, son of the late Alex and Clara Hollo.

Alex moved to Racine in 1933. On October 1, 1938, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Joyce A. Verbeten, who preceded him in death on September 22, 1989. Alex was employed by Massey Ferguson for 48 years and retired in 1982 as Chief Inspector. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Transportation Club and Knights of Columbus. He was an avid golfer. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, fishing and his trips to Florida or Arizona every year. He just loved getting into the car and driving throughout the United States. Alex lived peacefully in the comfort of his home. His companion and best friend, Toni, was always by his side. Above all, he enjoyed being with his family and he will be dearly missed.

Surviving are a son, John “Jack” (Sue) Hollow; grandchildren, Jeff (Sallie) Hollow, John Hollow, Jim (Lisa) Hollow, Mark (Anna) Hollow, Michael (Teresa) Hollow, Michele (John) Morin, Kristen Schatzman, Sarah (Geoff) Gorsuch, Katie (Justin Nick) Hollow; 30 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren, special friend and companion, Toni Rosienski; brothers-in-law, William Vanderhoef and Ronald Gall; sisters-in-law, Clarice Gall and Karen Verbeten; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Alex (Butch) Hollow, Jr., daughter-in-law, Judy Saavedra, sisters, Mary Pollock, Theresa Hollo, Katie Hollo, Rose Miller and Anne Giese.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., on Monday, November 14, 2011, at 10 am., with Rev. Ronald O. Crewe officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home Sunday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. and at the church Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or to St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested.

A special thank you to his aides, Michelle, Kelly, Haddie & Elizabeth.

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

Reynold 'Rey' R. Polkky

Reynold R. Polkky, age 79, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. Rey was born in Hancock, Michigan, April 28, 1932, son of the late John J. and Hilma (Nee: Sahinoja) Polkky.

Rey was a graduate of Ewen High School “Class of 1950.” On September 8, 1962, at Atonement Lutheran Church he was united in marriage to Sandra L. Zamagne. Rey was employed by the Wisconsin Natural Gas Company for thirty-two years, retiring in 1993. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. In his younger years Rey enjoyed cross country skiing, square dancing with his wife in the Dudes and Dolls Square Dance Club. An avid outdoorsman Rey liked hunting, fishing, camping, traveling with his family and wintering in Arizona for six months of the year with his wife. Above all, it was his family, especially his grandchildren, that gave him the most joy. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his many songs he shared with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly fifty years, Sandy; his children, Jeff (Judy) Polkky of Rock Springs, WI, John (Marnie) Polkky of Hancock, MI; 7 grandchildren, Matthew, Christina, Karis, and Arin, Makenzie, Camryn and Conner; sister, Vi (Jim) Hilliard of Chelsea, MI; sisters-in-law, Mary Schulz of Racine, Helen Zamagne of Kenosha; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Vivian Koski; and brother, Richard Polkky.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 12, 2011, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. David Gehne officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. Memorials to the American Heart Association have been suggested.

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

Victor C. Valenti, Sr.

Victor Charles Valenti, Sr. age 94, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at the Veterans Home in Phoenix, AZ. Victor was born in Chicago Heights, IL, on October 10, 1917, son of the late Vito and Lucille (Nee: Saculla) Valenti. Vic graduated from Wm Horlick High School “Class of 1937.”

During WWII, Vic served in the US Army from 1941-1945. On February 4, 1945, he was united in marriage to Regina M. Concetti, who preceded him in death June 10, 2002. Vic was employed by Racine Hydraulics for 40 years. He was a member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church where he ushered for over 40 years. He was a member and former president of the Roma Lodge and the Racine Hydraulics’ Twenty Year Club, member and former treasurer of Local 437 Retirees Club and served as chairman of the board of the Machinist Credit Union. Vic was an avid golfer and had two holes in one. He was a loyal Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. Above all he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his children, Cecelia (Bruce) Hagen of Glendale, AZ, Marcia (Steve) Bedard of Racine, Denice (Russ) Traeger of Wildwood, MO; Victor C. Valenti Jr. of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Karolyn Pauls of Phoenix, AZ, Kelly (Erin) McBride of Canton, GA, Justin and Zach Traeger of Wildwood, MO, Jordan (Ana) Bedard of Racine and Chase Bedard of Florida; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Phil (Opal) Valenti of California;sister-in-law, Marie Romano of Chicago Heights, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen (Sam) Angona and Frances (Paul) Payette; his brother, Frank (Jean) Valenti; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alessandro and Maurina Concetti, John and Louise De Jong and Quindo Romano.

Relatives and friends may meet Thursday, November 17, 2011, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Ave., for visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. with Reverend Allen Bratkowski officiating. . Interment with full military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of Arizona State Veterans Home, Hospice of the Valley and Glencroft Care Center.

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

Rita D. (Mertens) Deschler

Rita D. Deschler, age 92, passed away Monday, November 7, 2011, at the Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie. A lifelong resident of Racine, Rita was born on May 2, 1919, daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Nee: Renke) Mertens.

On May 24, 1941, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Rita was united in marriage to Harvey Deschler, who preceded her in death January 3, 1978.

Survivors include her children, Glen (Judy) Deschler, Mary Deschler and Peter (Chris) Deschler; brother-in-law, Lee Deschler; eleven grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her husband, she also was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Bonnie; her daughter, Janet Haigh; six sisters and four brothers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Ave., on Friday, November 11, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Allen J. Bratkowski officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church Friday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hospice Alliance - Pleasant Prairie or St. Monica’s Senior Citizen Home have been suggested.

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