Richard S. Hansen

Richard S. ‘Dick’ Hansen, 82, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2009, at Becker Shoop Center. He was born in Sturtevant on January 18, 1927, the son of Severt A. and Mary C. (nee: Petersen) Hansen.

After graduation from Washington Park High School, Dick served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1945. On June 19, 1948, he was united in marriage to Arlene Dibble at Holy Communion Lutheran Church. He was a tool and die maker for InSinkErator, retiring after 18 years of service. Dick was a member of Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, Moose Lodge and Dudes and Dolls Square Dance Club. He was a volunteer for the Sturtevant Fire Department. Dick enjoyed radio-controlled airplanes, camping, square dancing, round dancing and clogging.

Surviving is his wife of 61 years, Arlene; their children; Steve (Eugenia) Hansen of Dallas, TX, and Marsha (David) of St. Marys, GA; grandchildren, Heather Johnson, Melissa (Christopher Siuty) Johnson, John Hansen and Jim Hansen; brother, Arthur Hansen of Union Grove. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Dale Hansen in December of 1971; brother and two sisters-in-law, William (Dorothy) Hansen and Lois Hansen.

Funeral service will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at 8 p.m. with Rev. Mary Ubuntu officiating. There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6 p.m. until time of service. Private burial will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park.

A special thank you to Harmony of Racine, Becker Shoop Center and Hospice Alliance.

Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine 262 632-4479

Patricia Jean Barnes

Patricia Jean (nee: Bilyard) Barnes, 58, beloved wife of Dale Barnes, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 20, 2009, comforted by the presence of her family.

Pat was born in Kankakee, IL, on January 29, 1951, to the late Al and Wilma Jo (nee: Ohmes) Bilyard. She attended Illinois Wesleyan University and graduated with her nursing degree from Olivet Nazarene College. Pat went on to receive her Master’s in Nursing from Texas Women’s University.

In 1980, she married the love of her life, Dale Barnes. For the past 20 years, they have lived in Racine. Pat worked as a part-time nurse at Wheaton Franciscan-St. Mary’s Medical Center. But her passion was for teaching, and she shared her talents as a nursing instructor at Gateway Technical College-Kenosha for the past 19 years.

Pat enjoyed reading, spring flowers, summer breezes, fall leaves, winter snow and being with friends. Above all, she loved her family and treasured all the times spent together.

Surviving are her husband of almost 29 years, Dale Barnes of Racine; their son, Matthew D. Barnes of Nashville, TN; sister, Sharon (Deacon Patrick) Skelly; and brother, Michael (Nancy) Bilyard, both of Bourbonnais, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends too numerous to mention by name.

In accordance with Pat’s wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, September 26, 2009, at 4 p.m. with Deacon Patrick Skelly officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. Services will also take place in Pat’s hometown in Illinois on Sunday and Monday. In memory of Pat, memorials may be made out to the family’s wishes.

A very special thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane, his wonderful staff, and all those who gave Pat such compassionate care. Also, to Pat’s peers and friends from the Gateway Nursing Program for their concern and many acts of kindness during her journey with cancer. May God bless all of you!

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory
4600 County Line Rd., Racine 262-552-9000

Daniel Christ Christensen

Sturtevant – Daniel Christ Christensen, 59, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2009, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center after suffering a stroke last week.

A lifetime resident, Dan was born in Racine on July 19, 1950, to the late Wilfred “Bunny” and Betty (nee: Storbeck) Christensen. He graduated from JI Case High School in 1969.

At age 30, he enlisted to serve his country with the United States Army as a communications specialist. On March 24, 1984, he was united in marriage with Mari Susan (nee: Christman).

Along with Mari, he owned and operated J.Q. Foxes in Sturtevant for the past 23 years – where they established countless lifelong friendships. Dan had a great passion for helping others, especially by organizing benefit gatherings which raised thousands of dollars for numerous local charities and for people in need. He was a member of the Harley Owners Group, ABATE of Wisconsin (fighting for motorcyclists' rights), Old Timers Athletic Club, and proudly supported local veterans' organizations. Dan was extremely artistic, enjoyed touring the open roads on his Harley, and will be fondly remembered for his witty sense of humor. Above all, he loved people and was happiest when in the midst of his entire family and extensive circle of friends.

Surviving are his loving wife of over 25 years, Mari; children, Claresa Christensen, Christ Christensen, Warren Dahlke and Ty (Cara) Christensen; grandchildren, Andrew, Garret, Nathan, Lauren, Aaron, Sean, Alyssa, Anastasia, Christa, Andrea and was anxiously awaiting the birth of his eleventh; sisters and brothers, Anna (Daniel) Larsen, Pamela (Rick) Franke, Timothy Christensen, Denise (Scott) Rude, Laura (Mike) Hayne, Sally (Rodney) Holmdahl, William (Karen) Christensen and Carl (Eileen) Christensen; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Barbara (Arnie) Christiansen, Robert (Susan) Christman, Bill (Kitty) Christman, Daniel (Julie) Christman, Thomas Christman and Sheila Christman; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and extended family from the bar-too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Wilfred “Bunny” and Betty; Dan was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Linda Patterson.

Funeral services, with military honors, will be held in the funeral home on Sunday, September 27, 2009, at 3 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Tony Larsen officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home from 12 – 3 p.m. A motorcycle procession to the funeral home will take place on Sunday – all bikes should meet at JQ Foxes by 11:30 a.m. Memorials to the “Dan Christensen Memorial Fund” have been suggested – for distribution to Dan’s favorite charities.

A special note of thanks to South Shore Police & Rescue, Wheaton Franciscan Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit, especially Dan’s caring angel - Jenny RN, for doing everything in their powers in trying to save Dan’s life. Your kindness and compassionate support will always be remembered.

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory
4600 County Line Rd., Racine 262-552-9000

Theresa E. (Bauer) O'Brien

Theresa E. O’Brien, age 65, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2009, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. Theresa was born in Racine, August 10, 1944, daughter of the late Fred P. and Dorothy C. (Nee: Noll) Bauer.

Theresa was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1963.” On September 16, 1972, at St. Rita Catholic Church she was united in marriage to Patrick P. O’Brien. Theresa was employed by Racine Hydraulics for seven years, J.I. Case Company for seventeen years, and retiring from St. Monica Senior Citizen Home after nearly fourteen years. She was a lifelong member of St. Rita Catholic Church. Above all she was devoted wife, mother and proud grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her husband, Pat; her son, Matthew J. O’Brien; her grandchildren, Riley and Cody; brothers and sisters, Paul (Veronica) Bauer, Raymond (Lou Anne) Bauer, Lee (Gloria) Bauer, Jim (Kay) Bauer, Eugene (Margaret) Bauer, Dorothy (Kenneth) Sack; sister-in-law, Colleen Wilson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cecil and Dorothy O’Brien; sister-in-law, Louise Bauer; brother-in-law, Henry Wilson; and niece, Debra Bauer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at 7 p.m. Interment will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until time of Mass.

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

George Washington Jr.

George Washington, 58, was called Home to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, September 19, 2009. He was born in Clarksville, TN, on January 14, 1951, the son of George and Myrtle (nee: Barker) Washington Sr.

George had been employed as a semi driver by Kulke Trucking for over 30 years. George enjoyed playing football and wrestling while he was in school. He was a member of United Church of God in Christ.

Surviving are his mother, Myrtle Harrell; three sisters, Elizabeth Washington, Arementia Harrell, and Levette Harrell all of Racine; four brothers, Jerome (Gracie) Harrell, Jerold Harrell all of Racine, Michael (Barbara) Harrell of Zion, IL, and Robert Harrell Jr. of Gary, IN; lifelong friend Eleanor (Ken) Lahr of Racine; goddaughter, Luretia Ciraer; and his father George Washington Sr. in Tennessee. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends further survive him. He was preceded in death by the father who raised him, Robert Harrell Sr.; his grandparents, aunts and uncles.

His Homegoing Service will be held on Thursday, September 24, at 11 a.m. in the United Church of God in Christ, 2849 92nd St., Sturtevant, with Elder Lewis Doss officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of the Service.

DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY
4600 County Line Rd., Racine 262-552-9000

Clarence 'Clem' J. Palubicki

Clarence J. Palubicki, age 81, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2009, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home, Union Grove, WI. Clarence was born in Perham, Minnesota, April 3, 1928, son of the late Clements and Martha (Nee: Stiegel) Palubicki.

Clarence was a graduate of Perham High School where he lettered in football and track and was also a Golden Gloves boxer. During World War II Clarence proudly served in the United States Navy as a Fireman First Class (F-1) on the USS Frontier and the USS Prairie Destroyers; he was discharged April 2, 1948. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal. On September 1, 1956, at St. Rose Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Betty Lou Kovach. After the war he was employed by the City of Racine Parks Department for thirty-five years, retiring in 1988.

Following retirement he and Betty moved back to his hometown of Perham, MN, where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, landscaping, cards and was an avid Vikings and Packers fan. He was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church. Above all he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who treasured time spent with his family. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Lou; his five children, Daniel Palubicki, Diane Matter, Donna (Scott) Hooten, Debra Palubicki, David Palubicki, all of Racine; fourteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister and brother, Margaret Kramer of Perham, MN, Raymond (Kay) Dulski of Minneapolis, MN; sisters-in-law, Delas Palubicki of Perham, MN, Margaret Kovach and Virginia Kovach, both of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his two brothers and sister-in-law, Arthur Palubicki, Jerome (Mary Ann) Palubicki; and brother-in-law, Leonard Kramer.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at 7 p.m. with Rev. Joseph G. Stobba OSA officiating. Interment with full military honors will be held at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Perham, MN. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until time of service. Memorials to the family have been suggested.

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

Jerome Gordon Jacobs

Jerome Gordon Jacobs, 85, passed away quietly on Saturday morning, September 19, 2009, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare/All Saints. He was born in Racine on July 9, 1924, to the late John Arndt and Eunice Teresa (nee: Dahle) Jacobs. He was a lifelong resident of the city and state that he loved.

To many friends and relatives, he was known as “Gordy.” Others called him “Jerry.” He liked to be called Jerome.

Jerome most recently worked for NAPA Auto Parts, retiring in 1986. He loved all music. He especially enjoyed singing along and tapping his feet to his collection of Big Band records. He liked to bowl and was on a winning ABC Golden Anniversary Championship Team of the American Bowling Congress, held in Chicago in 1953. Of course, he was a Packers fan, big time. He also enjoyed traveling in and about northern Wisconsin and into Minnesota, visiting his many relatives along the way, and he had fun flying to Arizona and Las Vegas.

Surviving is his dear sister, Vina Dolores Jacobs; special cousins, Sylvia and Connie Martin, Lynn and Jim Filipek, Marie Jacobs, Leland Jacobs; many other friends and relatives across the country. Jerome was also preceded in death by an infant brother, Arthur, and so many good friends and relatives.

Private services were held, with entombment at West Lawn Memorial Park.

Contributions in Jerome's memory are suggested to the Lincoln Village Activity Department, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed, or to a charity of one's choice.

His sister, Vina, wishes to thank his doctors, Brady Welsh, Bonnie Wirfs and the staff of All Saints for their kindness and care. Above all, a big thank you to everyone at Lincoln Village, where Jerome felt so welcome, at home, loved and cared for by staff, volunteers and residents alike.

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