James F. Bruno

Surrounded by his loving family, James F. Bruno, age 83, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2013, at his residence.  James was born in Racine on April 29, 1930, son of the late Oswald and Dorothy (Nee: Murphy) Bruno.

He was educated in Racine, attending Roosevelt, Washington and graduated in 1948 from Horlick.  In 1948 his father, mother and James returned to his father’s homeland, Sweden.  It was an experience which would influence his entire life.  Following the return to Racine, James attended the University of Wisconsin, earning a BS degree in 1952.  He then went to work for his father “Ossie” at the Office Supply Company.

In July 1954, he and Ruth D. Bedard were united in marriage at Holy Trinity Church.  They built a home in the village of Wind Point, where their five sons and one daughter were raised. After Ossie died, Jim became President of Office Supply Company.  Jim built a new home so his mother Dorothy could live with the family and helped with raising them.

The experience at the University of Wisconsin left Jim with two great life interests, History and Music.  From these he had two great heroes, Napoleon and Mozart.  As a branch of these he had interest in German wine and European culture.

Jim held membership in many clubs throughout his life.  He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Danish Brotherhood, German Club, Manner Gesand Verein, Downtown Rotary, Racine Downtown Business Association,   Racine Country Club, Meadowbrook Country Club, board member of North Shore Bank, Kappa Sigma Fraternity since 1951, lifetime member of UW Wisconsin Alumni Association, Past President of the Shamrock Club, and People to People, hosting and visiting friends from Canada, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, France, Czech Republic, Rome, Sweden and Denmark.

He was an avid tennis player, golfer, and reader of history.  He was a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be terribly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Ruth; Hugh (Pam) Bruno and their son, Justin Bruno; Thomas Bruno (the late Darlene (nee: Bodi) Bruno); Robert (Joy) Bruno and his children, Nicholas (Jennifer) Bruno, Natalie (Khrist) Hansen and their children, Audrey Rose, Evan, and Logan and Lane Bruno; Richard (MaryAnn) Bruno and their children, Christopher Bruno and his children, Khristopher and Ian Bruno, Jana Bruno and her children, Elijha and Janae, Cory Bruno and Paige Bruno; Annamarie (Anthony) Zagar and their children, T.J. Zagar, Kerstin Zagar and her children, Sophia, Eric, and Levi, Austin Zagar; sisters-in-law, Vivian Zember, LaVerne Hoglund, Donna Bedard; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Jude and William “Billy.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., on Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Terrance J. Huebner officiating.  Private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Kinzie Avenue.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m.  Memorials to the Wisconsin Parkinson Foundation, the Leukemia Society, or to Wheaton Franciscan Hospice have been suggested.

A special thank you to Dr. James Gierahn, special nurses, Debbie, Isaac, Jennifer, and Brother Paul and all the other caregivers for their loving and compassionate care. 

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

Victor A. Kendl

Victor A. Kendl, age 56, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2013, at his residence.  Victor was born in Milwaukee, WI, on October 9, 1956, son of Dragutin “Charlie” and Beverly (Nee:  Shuda) Kendl.

He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.  On August 16, 1978, he was united in marriage to Darcey L. Crippen.  Victor was employed by the United States Post Office as a mechanic for many years.  He was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church, American Legion, Legion Riders, Hog member, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, and Sportsman Club.  He was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, son and brother who will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his loving wife, Darcey; his children, Brian (Cherie) Kendl, Adam (Shannon) Kendl, Gloria (Adam) Frick, Chas Kendl (fiancé Alexandra Foster), Elizabeth Kendl, Stephanie Kendl; two grandchildren, Jackson and Cora Frick; his mother, Beverly Kendl; brothers and sister, Peter (Terese) Kendl, Irene Kendl, Frank Kendl, Tony (Kathy) Kendl, Martin (Sue) Kendl; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lori Kendl, Robert (Laurie) Crippen, Kim (Ed) Herman, Victoria Galvin, Kellena Crippen; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his father.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at 11 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., with Rev. Kevin Mullins O.S.A. officiating.  Interment will be held on Monday, September 16, 2013, at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m.  Memorials to St. Rita Catholic Church or to the Boy Scouts of America have been suggested.

A very special thank you to Alma Rincon, friends and family for their loving and compassionate care and to his Postal Service family and St. Rita family for their prayers and support.

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

Anna Ruth (Piper) Terry

Anna Ruth Terry, age 98, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2013, at her residence.  She was born in Rochester, IN, on August 23, 1915, daughter of the late Charles and Lulu (Nee: Robinson) Piper. She graduated from Rochester High School.

On January 19, 1935, at Bowling Green, OH, she was united in marriage to James D. Terry, who preceded her in death on August 19, 1985.  Anna Ruth moved to Racine in 2004 to be close to her daughter.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.  She will be dearly missed.

Surviving are her daughters, Carol Ann Fuller of Gulfport, MS, Lynnette K. Ernst of Racine; grandchildren, Carl (Lisa) Benecke, James Benecke (Judy Matus), Beverly (Mark) Elling; great-grandchildren, Charlotte (Charles) Fernandez, Jordan, Justice and A.J. Delgado, Brittany, Brianna and Brooke Haynes-Benecke, Hope and Benjamin Elling; great-great-grandchildren, Savannah and Liam Fernadez; special nephew, Richard (Cozetta) Piper; other relatives and dear friends.  In addition to her parents, husband and son, she was preceded in death by her brother, Thurl (Dorothea) Piper; and her niece, Janet Paddock.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 13, 2013, at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Erie and Kewaunee Streets, with Reverend Jack Gilbert officiating. Relatives and friends may meet at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be held in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Rochester, IN, on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 4 p.m.  Memorials to St. John Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society have been suggested.

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

Richard J. Poplawski

Richard Joseph Poplawski, age 92, passed away on Thursday, September 5. 2013, at Lakeshore Manor.  He was born in Milwaukee, WI, on July 27, 1921, son of the late Joseph and Lillian (Nee: Bejma) Poplawski.

Richard was part of the first graduating class of St. Edward’s Grade School and had been a part of the reunion committee.  He graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1940” and went on to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII.  On August 18, 1945, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church he was united in marriage to LaVerne J. Meier.  Richard was employed by the Ladish Company for 32 years, retiring in 1987 as Chief Purchasing Agent. He was an active member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church and served on many committees.  Richard was a volunteer with the Senior Companion Program and was an avid golfer, fisherman and Green Bay Packer fan. He also enjoyed reading, walking, time spent up in Door County, and time spent with family, friends, and neighbors. More than anything, he was a family man who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his wife of  68 years, LaVerne; three children, James (Rose) Poplawski, Sr., Diane Poplawski O.P., Lyn (Robert) Matson; seven grandchildren, Krystl Matson and Josh Kosmala, Joseph (Emily) Matson, Alex Matson, Scott Poplawski, David Poplawski and  Daniel Poplawski; seven great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Clayton Meier, Lloyd (Frances) Meier, Patricia Meier; nieces, nephews other relatives and dear friends.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Richard Poplawski Jr.; a brother, Eugene (Dorothy) Poplawski; brother-in-law, Donald Meier; and sister-in-law, Patricia Meier.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 1425 Grove Ave., on Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev Allen Bratkowski officiating. Private interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet Tuesday at the church from 9 a.m. until time of Mass.   Memorials to St. Edward’s Parish or the Siena  Retreat Center have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to HomeLinc and the Lakeshore caregivers for their compassionate care.

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

Norma L. (Wyant) Eberle

Norma L. Eberle, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center.  Norma was born in Hammond, Indiana, on September 21, 1933, daughter of the late William and Loretta (Nee: Lingo) Wyant.

On March 1, 1951, she was united in marriage to Frederick L. Eberle who preceded her in death on March 15, 1991.  In 1993 she relocated to Racine to be close to her family.  Norma was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Racine Woman’s Club, Catholic Women’s Club and bowled for many years with the Damsels at Paradise North and West.  Norma was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished time with her family.  She will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her son, David (Kathy) Eberle of Racine; her grandchildren, Nicholas (Samantha) Eberle of Mukwonago, Courtney (Zac) Harmon of Houston, TX; her great-grandchildren, Maximus Eberle and Zachary Harmon; sister, Laura (George) Shropshire of Hammond, IN; sisters-in-law, Katherine (Wyant) Rehbein, Francis Wyant, all of IN; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 9, 2013, at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave., with Rev. Ricardo Martin officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the church from 4:30 p.m. until time of Mass at 6 p.m.  Interment will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at 11:30 a.m.  at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schereville, IN.  Memorials to the Health Care Network 904 State Street, Racine, WI  53404 have been suggested.

A special thank you to the entire staff at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints and Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Joseph Allyn Hecht, Jr.

Joseph Allyn Hecht, Jr. was born on October 25, 1935, to Joseph A. Hecht, Sr. and Marie (Danhauser) Hecht. He passed away at Kenosha Estates Nursing Home on Wednesday, September 4, 2013.

Joe worked at the Curative Workshop, Siena Center, and Careers, where he made many friends. He was fond of walking several miles every day, listening to polka music, playing cards, swimming, and watching Brewer and Packer games. He took many trips to Europe with his father to visit relatives in Bavaria and saw the Eiffel Tower as well as many other sites during their travels.

He is survived by his cousins, Mary Hecht, Lisa Hecht, Bill Hecht, John (Mary Jeanne) Hecht, Tom (Ann) Hecht, Gretchen (Rodney) Bolman, Patti Strini, Frank (Barbara) Mainczyk, Robert (Barbara) Mainczyk, Theresa Cobbin, Rosemary (Dan) Nendza, and other relatives in Germany.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his cousins, Robert Hecht, Vernon and (Peggy) Hecht; and his cousin, Rita Guthie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 9, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave., with Rev. Ricardo Martin officiating. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. Memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Careers, Seasons Hospice, or to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

Joe received loving care for many years prior to his death at Liberty II Group Home in Racine; a very special thank you to Hazale and Lizzy Barry along with all the staff. He transitioned to Kenosha Estates Nursing Home and was lovingly cared for by Kimberly (Millie), Katie, Janis, Amanda (Renee), Jennifer, Ethan, and the remainder of the staff as well as Seasons Hospice, especially Jenny and Billy Joe along with several associates.

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

John B. Gittings

John B. Gittings, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2013, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. He was born on July 24, 1927, in Racine to the late William and Carolyn (Nee: Dunlap) Gittings.

John graduated from University of Wisconsin where he was the coxswain on the rowing crew and played 150-pound Big Ten football. He proudly served in United States Navy from 1945-1946 where he was a captain of a PT boat. On July 24, 1952, he married Jane Reardon, who preceded him in death on August 5, 2009. John was Executive Vice President at Gold Medal, the Gittings family-owned company that developed and manufactured the original directors chair.

John was actively involved with fundraising for the community of Racine and served on several boards, including Prairie School, Advertising Club of Racine, Racine Zoological Society, American Chapter Red Cross, and University of Wisconsin Rowing Assoc. John had a love of sports including golf, tennis, fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his children, Susan (Gus) Ernst of Elkhart Lake, WI, Richard (Marjorie) Gittings of Palm City, FL, Carolyn (William) Edwards of Orinda, CA; his grandchildren, Jonathan Ernst, Richard Gittings and Nicole Gittings; sisters-in-law, Theo Gittings of Racine, Mary Gittings of San Francisco, CA; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his brothers, William and Robert.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave., on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at 3 p. m. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Saturday from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Prairie School have been suggested.

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