Theresa Ann (Thomas) Barnes

Nashville, TN -- Theresa Ann Barnes, age 60, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2014, at Post Acute Medical Specialty Hospital, Greenfield, WI.  Theresa was born in Mayfield, KY, on October 1, 1953, daughter of Celestine (Nee: Blythe) and RV Oliver.

Theresa was a graduate of Julian Thomas Elementary School and William Horlick High School, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Contra Costa College in Concord, CA.  She was employed as an advocate for many years for battered women and abused children.  Theresa was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her daughter, Dashinda McGriff; her stepson, Deante Barnes; her grandchildren, Rashaun, Destiney, Precious and Asia; her great-grandchildren, Calii and Kyisha; her mother and stepfather, Celestine (Frank) Johnson; other relatives and many dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her father, RV Oliver; and by her adopted father, Julian Thomas.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 18, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1120 Grand Ave., with  Bishop LL Kirby officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.

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

Austin Lueck

Austin Lueck, our handsome little boy, loved by so many, was taken away too soon on Sunday, August 10, 2014.  Austin was born in Racine on April 12, 2011, son of Danielle (Nee: Krueger) and Michael Lueck Jr.

Survived by his mother and father, Danielle and Michael Lueck Jr., and his sister, Willow.  Along with his Grandpa and Grandma Krueger, Grandpa Lueck, uncles, aunts, and many other family members and dear friends.

You will always be carried in our hearts. We will love you for always and forever.  You will never be forgotten our sweet, strong, beautiful baby boy.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2014, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.  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.

“All who knew you loved you.”

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

Gladys M. (Jacob) Olley

Gladys Marie Olley, age 86, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2014, at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center. She was born in Franksville on April 10, 1928, daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Nee: Grieger) Jacob.

On July 19, 1952, she was united in marriage to Donald G. Olley, who preceded her in death on May 19, 1968.

Gladys was employed by A&E Mfg for 15 years, retiring in 1991.  She was a member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church and the Caledonia Historical Society’s Linwood Park Project.  She enjoyed ceramics and crafts. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are her four sons, Donald (Barbara) Olley, Robert (Karen) Olley, Kenneth (Becky) Olley, Gerald Olley; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; two brothers,  Russell Jacob, Charles “Bud” Jacob; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, Francis “Doc” Olley, Sr. Michelle Olley, Sr. Betty Olley, Gail Olley of Lakeland, FL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brothers, Lester (Gertrude), Roy (Bernice); an infant sister, Dolores Jacob; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Edie Jacob, Alverona Jacob, Joann Olley, Fr. Edmund Olley, Raymond (Nancy) Olley, and David Olley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., on Saturday, August 16, 2014, at 10 a.m. with Reverend Kevin Mullins O.S.A. officiating.  Interment will follow at Caledonia Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the funeral home from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 9:15 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Memorials to St. Rita’s Catholic Church or the Caledonia Historical Society have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center for their loving and compassionate care.  

Maresh-Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home
803 Main St., Racine, WI     (262) 634-7888

William Earl Brooks Jr.

William Earl Brooks Jr., “Bill,” age 65, passed away at his home with his family by his side on Wednesday, August 6, 2014.  He was born in Racine on January 24, 1949, son of the late William and Irene (Nee: Rogan) Brooks.

Bill graduated from high school in Manitowoc and subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  He served from 1968 – 1972 stationed in Vietnam.  On September 27, 1975, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jamie Orban.

Bill had attended the University of Wisconsin and Wichita State University. Bill had many interests in his life. For many years he worked as photojournalist, as a house parent with foster children, as a consultant/manager with various companies, and owned and operated bar/restaurant businesses.  Bill also owned and operated the Professional Bartending School of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

He enjoyed music and sang in rock bands in his younger years.  He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, firearms, Nascar and the Green Bay Packers.  He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, the NRA, the VFW, and the American Legion.  Above all, he was a devoted husband, brother and friend who will be dearly missed.

Surviving  are his loving wife of 38 years, Jamie;  siblings, David Brooks of Kenosha, Patricia (Louis) Arata of Whitefish Bay;  nieces and nephews, Cristin Brooks, Carolyn (Erik) Sherman, Elizabeth (Brett) Christiansen, Jason Smith;  greatnephew, Chase Sherman; greatniece, Lydia Christiansen; mother-in-law, Margaret Orban; sister-in-law, Judy Smith; his four-legged companion, Stuart Little; other relatives and dear friends.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Frank Orban.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Entombment with full military honors will follow at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5-7:30 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pattie, for her loving care and support;  to the caregivers and Jane and Trish, the social workers at Clement Zablocki VA Medical Center; his homecare nurse, Tina;  the nurses and aides at Boland Hall; Pastors Victoria and Melanie; and the staff at Seasons Hospice for the loving and compassionate care given Bill.

Maresh-Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home
803 Main St., Racine, WI  (262) 634-7888

Mary Jane (Petersen) Acklam

Mary Jane Acklam, 93, passed to eternal life at Alexian Hospice Care on August 4, 2014.  At her side was her beloved daughter, Mary (Acklam) DeManche, and husband Larry.   

Mary Jane was born in Racine, WI, on February 13, 1921, to the late Jonas and Kristine (Nee: Bundeson) Petersen. On March 6, 1946, she was united in marriage to George Acklam.  She and her husband, George, retired to Minocqua, WI, in 1982.  After George’s passing in 2003, Mary Jane remained in the Minocqua area until 2010, when she moved to the Chicago area to reside with her daughter, Mary, and son-in-law, Larry.

A love of faith, family and friends guided her through life.  She was an active member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Racine, where she sang in the choir and participated in Bible study groups.  Later she joined Calvary Lutheran Church in Minocqua, WI, where she sang in the choir, was a frequent reader of the liturgy and an active volunteer.

Her concern and caring for others extended beyond those usually considered “relatives” to anyone who needed a close friend or a warm hug.  She was always encouraging others to call her “Mom” and welcomed guests into her home and to join in a meal.  Mary Jane had a real zest for life -- she enjoyed playing piano, singing, knitting, golfing, bowling, playing cards and learning anything new. 

Her joy of nature included the birds and butterflies found around their northwoods home and flowers of all kinds.  Of special pleasure to Mary Jane were the summer visits at the lake with her grandsons.   Her quiet, witty sense of humor, delivered unexpectedly and with a twinkle in her eye, were with her to the very end.  She could make everyone smile even in the most challenging of times.  

Mary Jane is survived by her sons, Todd (Janet) Acklam of Grass Valley, CA, and Jay (Dolly Kovera) Acklam of Kenosha, WI; daughters, Kris Acklam (Mike Green) of Yuma, AZ, And Mary (Larry) DeManche of Streamwood, IL; grandsons, Tyler Albright of Racine and Taylor Albright of Yuma, AZ; and many nieces, nephews, greatnieces, greatnephews and dear friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, George, she was preceded in death by her three sisters and six brothers.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 3319 Washington Ave., with Pastor John Bischoff officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Monday at 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.

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

Catherine 'Kaye' (Reca) Strauss

Catherine “Kaye” Strauss, age 92, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2014, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center.  Catherine was born in Chicago, IL, on November 29, 1921, daughter of the late Joseph and Bertha (Nee:  Konrath) Reca.

On June 22, 1957, she was united in marriage to Warren A. Strauss, who preceded her in death on July 28, 1994.  She was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church.  She loved roller skating and was still roller skating at 70 years old.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Terese (Steve) Smits of Racine; her two grandchildren, Kristen (Charlie) Starnes of PA, Kathryn Chylla (Jake) Walker of Wauwatosa;  great-grandson, Aleksander Starnes; sister, Dorothy Fischer of FL; two precious nephews, James Reca of TN, Kenneth Reca of IL; nieces, Sandee Young of IL, Doreen Archbold of FL; and other relatives and dear friends.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jacob; and brother-in-law, John Fischer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., on Friday, August 8, 2014, at 6 p.m. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Friday from 5 p.m. until time of service at 6 p.m.  Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chicago, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Rita Catholic Church or Wheaton Franciscan Hospice have been suggested.

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

Nickolas John Mastous

Nickolas John Mastous, age 48, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2014. He was born on February 10, 1966, son of James and Gertrude “Trudy” (Nee:  Beres) Mastous.

Nick graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1984” and from UW-Milwaukee with a degree in Journalism. While at UWM, Nick was the Editor-in-Chief of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student newspaper and a member of ROTC. 

Nick proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard Special Forces Division during the Iraqi Freedom War while stationed in Kuwait.  He had an unparalleled allegiance to his country.  Nick was an accomplished cook, avid reader and lifelong supporter of his political convictions. In addition, Nick was a proud Racine Kiltie. 

Above all, Nick loved his family and friends.  Nick was a loving son, uncle, cousin, nephew, brother and friend to many. 

Nick was preceded in death by his father, James Michael Mastous; grandparents, Mike and Helen Mastous, and August and Theresa Beres; and his dear aunt, Carolyn Umlor.

Survivors include his mother, Trudy Mastous of Racine; sisters, Laura (Daniel) Olson of New Milford, CT,  Lisa (Neil) Wheatly of Castle Rock, CO;  brother, Michael (Sarah) Mastous of Lafayette, CO; niece, Ariana; nephews, Alexander, Jordan, Jackson and Austin; aunts and uncles, August and Sue Beres, Cathy and Dennis McCombs, Joanne Brygleson and Kent Umlor; and numerous cousins and friends.

A celebration of Nick’s life will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2014, at noon at the funeral home. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until time of service at noon

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