Charlotte 'Elaine' (Smith) Marshall

Charlotte “Elaine” Marshall, age 92, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, December 11, 2014, at the Elizabeth Residence. Elaine was born in Racine on April 12, 1922, daughter of the late Harold and Ida (nee: Martinson) Smith and was a lifelong resident.

On October 16, 1948, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Elaine married John G. Marshall, who preceded her in death on March 11, 1997. Together, they owned John Marshall Barbershop for many years.

An accomplished musician, Elaine played the violin in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Racine Symphony Orchestra and also played the piano, organ and other instruments.  She was a longtime dedicated member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, where she served as church secretary for many years and was a member of the Altar Society. Above all, Elaine will be best remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be dearly missed.

Her memory will be carried on by her children, John Marshall of Oconomowoc, Anne (Mike) Hulbert of Estes Park, CO, Mary (Don) Broe of Racine; grandchildren, Andy (Melisa) Marshall, Matt (Allyce) Marshall, Nick Marshall, Jennifer Broe, David Broe, Bradley Marshall; three great-grandchildren, Kane, Tatum and Silas; sister-in-law, Chloris Marshall of Michigan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Peter; and her sister, Marian (Bill) Jensen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1100 Erie St., on Tuesday December 16, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Antony Thomas officiating. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Monday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at church Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. Memorials to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church have been suggested.

The family extends a special thank you to the respective staffs at the Elizabeth Residence and Seasons Hospice for all of their loving and compassionate care.

The longer you have someone, 

the more you can sink every ounce of love into them. 

She knew very well how much we loved her.

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

Luvertha (Wilson) Owens

Death stares us in the face day to day. The meadows that were green a few days ago are now brown. God’s word the Holy Bible teaches us “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth and the flowers thereof fadeth away.”

Such was the life of our mother and grandmother, Luvertha Owens.

Luvertha, 83, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2014, in Racine, Wisconsin.  She was a native of Mobile, Alabama, and a resident of Racine for the past sixteen years. She was born on November 12, 1931, to the parentage of the late Lee and Annie Pearl Wilson of Castleberry, Alabama.

While living in Mobile, Luvertha was a faithful member of First Baptist Church. In addition to raising a large family, she owned and operated a beauty salon and was the first director of Dearborne YMCA  S.A.I.L. Program.  After her move to Racine, she united with Second Baptist Church where she served diligently and faithfully as President and member of the Mothers’ Board. Luvertha never was one to thrust herself into the limelight, but she would always stand humbly in the background or in the shadows of her surroundings working, praying and doing whatever she was called upon to do for others but especially doing the work of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Throughout many episodes of excruciating pain and feeling poorly, Luvertha continued to attend church in her wheelchair, praising God until one week before her passing.

Once diagnosed with numerous health conditions, Luvertha never gave up. She never complained. She was strong and brave. God was good and faithful to her throughout her illnesses and she was trusting and steadfast with her faith in Him. God brought her through many difficult times. When her family thought it was the end, God said no. But on December 10, God spoke and called her home.

She was married to Melvin Owens who preceded her in death in December 2008. She was the oldest of 11 children, four of whom predeceased her: a brother, Wiley; and three sisters, Dorothy, Lola and Pearlie.

She leaves a legacy of nurturing, humility, love for family and others, compassion, and above all, love for the Lord. Her wisdom and teachings will be forever remembered and cherished by daughters: Melvina Lube of Mattawa, IL, Linda Fair, Sandy (Eddie) Kimbrough of Mobile; sons, Lister Keith (Denise) Owens of Memphis,Tennessee, Darnell Owens of Mobile, Eric Owens of Dallas, Texas, Eldridge (Augustine) of Mobile. Grandchildren, Marcus (Lisette) Montgomery of Oakland, California, Josh Owens of Long Beach, California, Ji Kimbrough of Memphis, Gia (Robert) Johnson, Paultris, Lakede, Frank (Cambry) Fair of Mobile. Great-grandchildren, King, Kobe, Kai of Mobile; and former daughter-in-law, Lorinda Owens of Long Beach. Brothers and sisters, Willie Edward Wilson, Mary Jones, of Brewton, Alabama; Alfred Roy Wilson, Johnny Nettles, Deloris McMillan, and Margaret Mosley, all of Los Angeles, California.  Uncle Frank and Aunt Louise Anderson of Mobile; devoted cousins, Larry Foster of Racine and Verdell Rowe of Mobile; and a host of other cousins, nieces and nephews. A devoted, loving, caring, steadfast “godson” and care-giver who never wavered in helping her in any way he could, John A. Madsen of Racine; a dedicated and faithful friend, Mary Johnson of Racine, who was considered a dear additional daughter; Betty Brown, who favored Luvertha with her home cooked food during her years in Racine; and special friends, Nancy Case and Daneen Merten.

Private family graveside services will be held at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 800 Mobile St., Mobile, Alabama, on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 11 a.m. with Reverend Robert Ford officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The National Kidney Foundation.

The family would like to thank Drs. Turner and Dhringra for their extraordinary and compassionate care, Manor Care and KTown Drivers of Kenosha, DaVita Harborview of Racine.

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

Jeanne E. Greninger

Kenosha -- Jeanne E. Greninger, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 8, 2014, at her residence. Jeanne was born in Fond du Lac, WI, on December 31, 1954, daughter of Bernard and Dorothy (Nee:  Lange) Greninger.

Jeanne graduated from St. John Nepomuk Grade School and St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1972.” Furthering her education she graduated from Lawrence University. She retired from Abbott Laboratories after twenty-five years of service. Jeanne enjoyed volunteering for Kindred Kitties in Kenosha and had a great love for her horse, Ellie. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her parents, Bernard and Dorothy; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael (Cheryl) Greninger, Steve (Kimberly) Greninger; beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 1903 Green St., with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating. Interment will be held at Holy Angels Cemetery, West Bend. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the church from 9:30  a.m. until time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church or to Kindred Kitties in Kenosha have been suggested.

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

Mary (Liapes) Pergakes

Mary Pergakes, age 95, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2014, at the Rainbow Hospice Ark in Park Ridge, IL. She was born on July 30, 1919, in Kastraki, Corinthia, Greece, daughter of the late Reverend Nicholas Liapes and Ioanna (nee: Piperis) Liapes.

In June of 1938, she was united in marriage to Thomas Pergakes in Greece and then immigrated to the United States.  They settled in Danville, IL, where they raised their three daughters. Thomas preceded her in death on August 24, 1958.

In her earlier years she was a former President of the Daughters of Penelope of Illinois. She was a member St. Barbara’s Ladies Society in Danville, IL, as well as a member of Kimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Racine. She was active in the ladies Philoptochos Society both in Champaign and Racine. Mary was a true homemaker, wonderful cook and extremely dedicated to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Bess (Spero) Shizas of Elmhurst, IL, Janet (Jose) Reyes of Racine, WI, Phyllis (Arthur) Perivolidis of Mount Prospect, IL: her grandchildren, Mary Beth Shizas, Thomas Reyes, Connie (Bobby) Clark, Stephanie (Brian) Holland, Jennifer (Paul) Ford, Christopher (Jorie) Perivolidis, Marisa (Patrick) Nash; her great-grandchildren, Jacob, Ethan, Sofia, Tommy, Courtney, Joey, Charlie, Reese, Jane and Allison; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Pergakes; parents; brother, George; sisters, Dina, Dimetroula and Christina: sons-in-law, Spero Shizas and Dr. Jose Reyes.

Visitation will be at the Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home in Racine, WI, on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. with the Trisagion Service at 7 p.m.  Funeral Services will be held at Pape Funeral Home in Danville, IL, with interment at Springhill Cemetery in Danville, IL.  Memorials to the Kimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church have been suggested.

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

Charles A. Schweitzer

Charles A. Schweitzer, age 64, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2014, at Lakeshore Manor following a courageous five-year battle with Lymphoma. Charles was born in Racine on October 8, 1950, son of the late Charles and Ethel (Nee: Seiter) Schweitzer.

Charles was a graduate of William Horlick High School “Class of 1968.” Furthering his education, he graduated from UW-Madison and Marquette University with a Master's degree in Civil Engineering. A very dedicated employee, Charles was employed as Chief Engineer by the City of Racine Water Department for over thirty years, retiring in 2011. His pastimes included hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his children, Melissa Hansen, Amy (Brian) Govednik, Katharine Schweitzer, Erica Schweitzer; his ten grandchildren, Ronald and Holly Hansen, Kaitlin Wiltse, Gwendolyn Marema, Leila, Jacob, Delaney and Brooklynn Govednik, Morgan Schweitzer, Allison Blome; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David; and sister, Susan.

Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday, December 12, 2014, from 10 a.m. until time of the funeral service to be held at noon, with Rev. Ronald Gramza officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Michael Mullane and his staff for all of their loving and compassionate care.

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

Anthony F. Tenuta

Anthony F. Tenuta, age 86, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2014, at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center. Anthony was born in Racine on July 2, 1928, son of the late Saverio and Mary (Nee: Serpe) Tenuta and was a lifelong resident of Racine.

On June 26, 1948, he was united in marriage to Dorothea “Dee” E. Larsen, who preceded him in death on May 31, 2010. Anthony was employed by Chrysler Motors for thirty years until his retirement. He was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church and active member of Roma Lodge where he served on the board. An avid golfer, he also enjoyed playing cribbage. Above all he cherished his family and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his children, David Tenuta of Tucson, AZ, James Tenuta of Madison, WI; Susan (Allen) Johnson of Racine; his grandchildren, Christina Tenuta, Melissa Johnson, Vieri (Brianna) Tenuta, Dominic Tenuta, Benjamin Johnson; his two great-grandchildren, Grayson Green and Aria Tenuta; sister-in-law, Patricia Tenuta of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Nunzi (Gloria) Tenuta, Robert Tenuta, Saverio Tenuta; and sister, Rachel Tenuta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. (Roma Lodge Service 5:30 p.m.) and Tuesday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. Memorials to the Lincoln Village Convalescent Center Activities Department have been suggested.

The family extends a special thank you to the respective staffs at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center and Hospice Alliance for all of their loving and compassionate care. 

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

Mary L. (Sharkey) Miller

Mary L. Miller, age 71, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2014, at her residence with her family at her side, after a year- long battle with cancer. She was born in Racine on July 4, 1943, to parents William and Lillian (nee: Corbeille) Sharkey.      

Mary was a loyal employee of Warren Packaging Co. for 30 years. She loved the Fourth of July parade and celebrations with family and friends. She also enjoyed bowling in a league with a group of friends. Most of the time, Mary enjoyed being at home watching wrestling, baseball, football, basketball and John Wayne movies. When a game was not on, she spent time doing crossword puzzles, cross stitch, or just sitting outside on her porch. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.

Mary is survived by her children, Bobby, Joey, Rodney (Laura), Kim (Norm) and Danny; her grandchildren, Kellen, Kori, Kerah, Joshua and Amanda; sisters, Joanne and Pat;  nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives; her dear friend, Joyce, who tried to keep Mary’s spirit up with a daily phone call; and many other wonderful friendships.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jim and Roger; and sister, Beverly.

For the last year, Mary’s life was a roller coaster ride full of hospital visits and treatments. Her son, Joey, stayed with her through it all, trying to keep her life meaningful and manageable. He was truly her angel on Earth. We are thankful for the wonderful care of the hospice nurses, especially Emily, and staff who made these last few weeks a bit easier for her to handle.

Per her wishes, a private memorial will be held for her family.

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