Elaine Miller

Mequon -- Mrs. Elaine (nee: Gebhard) Miller, 79, passed away on April 9, 2012, at Horizon Hospice in Mequon.

Elaine was born in Racine on February 18, 1933, to the late George and Ruby Gebhard.  On July 6, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa, she was united in marriage to George L. Miller. He preceded her in death on March 3, 1986, after 32 loving years together.

Elaine will be dearly missed by her son, daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and two sisters.

Funeral services in honor of Elaine were held at West Lawn Memorial Park.

Wilson Funeral Home

1212 Lathrop Ave., Racine  262-634-3361

Jason 'Chester' W. Manchester

Jason “Chester” W. Manchester, age 32, passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2012. Jason was born in LaMirada, California, October 9, 1979, son of Gary D. and Kathleen M. (Nee: Spiering) Manchester. He enjoyed paintball, playing in various pool leagues, traveling, working with his hands and, most of all, spending time with family and many friends.

He will be deeply missed by his parents, Gary and Kathi Manchester; his sister and brothers, Jessica Manchester of Minneapolis, MN, Jeremy Manchester, Jacob Manchester, both of Racine; his grandmother, Grace Manchester of Racine; his beloved dogs, Diamond and Ruby; aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Helen Spiering, and Howard Manchester.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 13, 2012, at 7 p.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., with Rev. Kevin Mullins OSA officiating. Private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the church from 4 p.m. until time of Mass at 7 p.m.  Memorials to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

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

Jane A. (Spencer) Mares

Jane Ann Mares, age 86, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2012, at East Castle Place in Milwaukee. She was born in Racine, March 24, 1926, daughter of the late Harold and Jessie (Nee: Hall) Spencer.

Jane graduated from St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1944.” On December 27, 1950, she was united in marriage to Richard A. Mares. She will be dearly missed.

Surviving are her husband, Richard; three sons, Martin (Carrie) Mares of St. Peters, MO, Christopher (Rhonda) Mares of Chandler, AZ, Paul (Stephanie) Mares of Greendale, WI; 11 grandchildren, Spencer and Hope Mares, Samuel, Nicholas, Zachary and Emily Mares, Sarah, Margaret, Daniel, Hannah and Steven Mares; in-laws, Patricia Mares of Mannas, VA, Nancy Spiegelhoff of Green Bay, Harry (Geri) Mares of Wild Rose, WI, Suzanne (Ron) Herman of Carmel, IN, James (Cheryl) Mares of Chicago, IL, Marilyn Moore of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents,  she was preceded in death by her brothers, Jack and Dickson; and her sister, Sally Baker.

Visitation will be held Saturday at St. Mary’s By the Lake, 7605 Lakeshore Dr., on Saturday, April 14, 2012, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. At 11 a.m. a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Stephen J. Stradinger officiating, assisted by Deacon Robert G. Starr. Private interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials to St. Catherine’s High school or to St. Vincent DePaul Society have been suggested.

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

Janice E. (Nelson) Kranz

Janice Emily Kranz, age 88, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2012, at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. She was born in Racine, January 3, 1924, daughter of the late Denny and Ann (Nee: Zobac) Nelson.

On October 19, 1945, at Holy Communion Lutheran Church she was united in marriage to Jerry Kranz, who preceded her in death in 1997. She was currently a member of Faith Lutheran Church. Janice was employed by Mamco from 1952 until 1970. She also owned and operated Colonial Clay Cellar. Janice loved crafts, beautiful wreaths, Christmas ornaments, knitting and crocheting. She also had a green thumb: any plant she would touch would flourish. She will be dearly missed.

Surviving are her brother, Ron (Dee) Nelson; sister-in-law, Angie Nelson; nieces, and nephew, Kami (Ron) Ingle, Kurt (Therese) Nelson and Vickie Kruse; great-nieces, nephews other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she also was preceded in death by her brothers, Melvin and Donald.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 8500 Durand Ave., with Reverend Jeffery E. Mortensen officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet at the church Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

A very special thank you to Reverend Jeffrey Mortensen and the ladies of Faith Lutheran Church for their ministry, and heartfelt gratitude for her caring neighbors who were faithful with their many kind acts and also to Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare and Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

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

James Cullen Merriman

James C. Merriman, 77, passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2012, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints.

James was born in Mississippi to the late Toy and Audrey (nee: Mitchell) Merriman on July 15, 1934. He was united in marriage to Darlene (nee: Exner) on January 15, 1972. He had been previously employed by J.I. Case Company before his retirement.

A strong, devoted believer in his faith, James enjoyed being an usher for First Church of God in Racine. He also enjoyed the outdoors, whether he was fishing, hunting or tending to his garden. But most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Darlene; their children, James Matthew (Heather) Merriman, Robert Ryan (Donna) Merriman, and Michelle Marie (Isaac) Venn; their grandchildren, Gabriel Merriman, Alyssa Venn, Abigayle Venn and Annelyse Venn; his brother, Charlie; his sisters, Helen, Peggy, Brenda, Christine and Sandra; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his daughters, Emmie “Marilyn,” Sue Ellen and Theresa; and his son, Jerry. James was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Paul; sisters, Nancy and Norma; and a special uncle, Herschel.

Funeral services in honor of James will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, April 13, 2012, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ryan Reed officiating. Entombment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends are invited to meet the family on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

The Family would like to thank Dr. Shimshak and Dr. Dingrah for their kind and compassionate care of James.

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

Elaine B. (Richter) Berg

Elaine Blanche Berg, age 91, passed away Friday, April 6, 2012, at her residence. She was born in Manitowoc, WI, on November 30, 1920, daughter of the late Herman and Marie (Nee: Wierek) Richter.

Elaine served in the Womens Army Corps during WWII and also served during the Korean War when called up from the reserves. On June 30, 1956, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church she was united in marriage to Harley H. Berg, who preceded her in death January 30, 1983. Elaine was employed by M&I Bank for many years, retiring in 1978 as an executive secretary. She was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. She enjoyed reading and was an avid sports fan, following the Braves, Cubs  and Packers. She also enjoyed golf and bowling. She will be dearly missed.

Surviving are a brother and two sisters-in-law, David and Lois Richter, Catherine Richter, all of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Richter; and her sister, Jacqueline (Jack) Hansen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 12, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., with Reverend Terry Huebner officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church have been suggested.

The family wishes to give a special thank you to Carol Richter and Hospice Alliance for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Robert S. Kis

Robert Steven Kis, age 57, passed away Thursday, April 5, 2012, at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. He was born in Racine, May 31, 1954, son of John and Ione (Nee: Carpenter) Kis.

Bob graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1972” where he was All State in Football, and lettered in Wrestling and Baseball. Bob went on to attend college at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and graduated with a psychology degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. On October 21, 1978, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church he was united in marriage to Barbara A. French.

Bob was employed by Link Mfg for the past 22 years. He was a longtime member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church and currently a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Kenosha. Bob was a movies and trivia buff and had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed theater and appeared in the Cardiac Capers variety show. He loved traveling up north and listening to music. He was always willing to offer a helping hand to anyone in need, and at any time, be it family, friend or stranger. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Barb; his son, Stephen (Namyoung) Kis of Minneapolis, MN; his daughter, Megan E. Kis of Milwaukee; his grandson, Nolan; his mother, Ione Kis; siblings, John (Kathy) Kis, Nancy (Thomas) Stougaard, Gary (Laurie) Kis all of Racine; mother-in-law, LaVerne M. French of Racine; brothers-in-law, Thomas (Mary) French of Waunakee, Scott (Laura) French and David French (“DJ” Johnson) all of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, John S. Kis; and his father-in-law, William D. French.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at 7 p.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Ave., with Reverend Allen Bratkowski officiating. Private interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at the church from 5 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. Memorials to St. Edward’s Catholic Church or St. Peter’s Catholic Church-Kenosha have been suggested, or to a charity of choice.

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