Helen (Leech) Fineran

Helen (Leech) Fineran passed away Friday, October 29, 2010. She was born September 19, 1922, to the late Lawrence and Elsa (Crinion) Leech.

She married George Thomas Fineran on December 26, 1953. Helen was a member of the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association and the American Association of University Women. An educator, Helen loved learning and received Undergraduate and Master's Degrees from the University of Wisconsin. She read extensively, gardened and traveled the Eastern, Western, Middle and Southern U.S. as well as Mexico and Europe. She kept her own counsel.

The love of her life was her family and home. She is survived by her loving husband, George, and beloved sons, Thomas (wife Gerene and children Elizabeth and Bart) and Patrick; relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, November 1, 2010, at 11 a.m. at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 1903 Green St. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum Crypts. Visitation for relatives will be held Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. Memorials to the Parkinson’s Foundation have been suggested.

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

Steven G. Gabriel

Steven G. Gabriel, age 67, passed away unexpectedly Friday October 29, 2010, at Froedtert Hospital. Steven was born in Chicago, IL May 13, 1943, son of the late Steven and Susan (nee: Fako) Gabriel, and was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Jane DiMucci.

On September 5, 1965, at Park Presbyterian Church in Streator, IL, Steve married the love of his life, Judy Elizabeth Genseke, and together shared forty-five wonderful years. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Political Science. Furthering his education, Steven also attained a degree in Law from DePaul University and his MBA from the University of Chicago.

He and his family moved to Racine in 1974 when he started his employment with Heritage Bank, now Johnson Bank. Steve began his career with the bank by starting the Trust Department and remained with Johnson Bank until his retirement. He had been a member of the Racine Downtown Rotary Club and served on the boards of the DeKoven Foundation, The Taylor Home, and Wustum Museum.

Throughout his life, Steve’s main interest remained in the world of art. He was an artist himself and enjoyed sculpting and painting. Steve supported the local art community and the community at large. He worked closely with the Henry Moore Foundation in England and collected drawings, prints, books and sculpture. He published a book entitled “Henry Moore in Castleford.” He worked with other experts to identify forged works of art being sold as originals. Steve was proud to have completed three marathons. He had a great sense of humor and a generous heart. His greatest joy was for his family. He will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife, Judy; daughters, Elizabeth Gabriel of Racine, and Stephanie (Mike) Gonzales of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandchildren, Isabel and Ian; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon and Elizabeth Genseke; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Vito DiMucci, Fred (Diane), John (Janet), Dean (Karen), Greg (Vicki), Bruce (Cindy) Genseke and Karen Maloni; cousin, William (Rosemary) Krc; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home Saturday, November 6, 2010, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. At 2 p.m. a Rememberance service will be held giving relatives and friends a chance to share memories. After 3 p.m. a reception will follow at the family home. Memorials to the Prairie School or to the Wustum Museum have been suggested.

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

Lois M. (Olson) Wood

Lois M. Wood, age 82, passed away Friday morning, October 29, 2010, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. Lois was born in North Cape on January 26, 1928, daughter of the late Sydney and Bessie (nee: Picha) Olson.

On September 25, 1948, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Raymond J. Wood. Together, they enjoyed fifty-two years together until his passing August 17, 2000. Lois was a longtime dedicated member of St. John Nepomuk where she was active in the choir and bell choir. She last worked at Young Radiator, retiring in 1983. In her spare time, Lois enjoyed reading, doing cross-stitch, crossword puzzles and especially enjoyed her time recently in the puzzle room with her friends at Home Harbor. More than anything she enjoyed the many holiday and family get-togethers with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who truly loved their “Gigi.” She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children, Kathy (Jeff) Marten, Barb Stacy, Ann (Chuck) Stefka; grandchildren, Daniel Willis, Lisa Stacy (Pat Pyne), Adam (Ashley) Stefka, Tony Stefka; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh and Niya Pyne; sister, Barbara (Mel) Beth; brother, David (Mary Pat) Olson; brother-in-law, Roger (Joyce) Wood; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, special friends from Home Harbor, the Red Hat Society and Park Terrace Condos, and many other friends. In addition to her parents, Lois was also preceded in death by her brothers and sister-in-law, Sydney (Norma) Olson and Richard Olson, her brother-in-law, Carl Zakowski; and nephew, Michael Zakowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 1903 Green St., on Tuesday November 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass.

The family extends a thank you to the staff at Home Harbor, the nursing staff at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center and a special thank you to Dr. Ansani, Dr. Berce and Dr. Pessin for all of their loving and compassionate care.

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

Leah (Cohen) Seft

Leah Seft, age 98, formerly of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away October 28, 2010, in Minneapolis, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Max Seft; son, Louis Seft; parents Abraham and Sarah Cohen; and sisters, Lillian Light, Rose Amsterdam and Helen Garon.

Leah is survived by nephews and nieces, Philip and Phyllis Garon of Minnetonka, MN, Sheldon Garon and Sherrill Cohen of Princeton, NJ, and their families. Leah resided in Racine, Wisconsin, until age 91 before moving to Roitenberg Assisted Living in St. Louis Park, MN. She and Max were active in private business investments in Racine. She was a remarkable woman. Memorials preferred to the Sholom Community Alliance, 3620 Phillips Pkwy, St. Louis Park, MN 55426 or the donor's favorite charity.

Graveside services will be held at the Racine Jewish Memorial Cemetery, 700 Lathrop Ave., Racine Wisconsin 53405 on Sunday, Oct.31, at 11 a.m., with Rabbi Martin Adelburg officiating. Shiva Sunday at 7 p.m. at Roitenberg Assisted Living, 3610 Phillips Pkwy, St. Louis Park, MN.

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

Marie V. (Becker) Matranga

Marie V. Matranga, age 94, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2010. Marie was born in Rock Island, IL, daughter of the late Oscar J. and Martha (Nee: Broshaw) Becker.

She was united in marriage to Joseph Matranga who preceded her in death, August 25, 1980. Marie and her family owned and operated Matranga’s Grocery Store for many years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her three children, Duane (Marla) Matranga of Fontana, WI, James (Linda) Newman of CO; Suzanne Wehrly of CA, Charles Matranga of Racine; her grandchildren, Joel Matranga, Melissa Matranga, Colette Manning, both of CA, Matt Manning of Hawaii, James Newman Jr., Ann Newman of CO; her great-grandchildren, Mariposa Estrada, Taj and Lily Manning; nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends, Dan and Sue Cabush and Lee Mulder.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Nina Matranga; brothers, Bud Becker, Gus (Jean) Becker, Emil (Anna) Becker; sisters, Lillian (Albert) Schekler, Janet (David) Aldridge, Shirley Coleman, Elaine Funk, Til Bradley, Irma Anderson; brothers-in-law, William Coleman, Harry Funk, Gilbert Bradley and Maynard Anderson.

Funeral services with entombment will be held Thursday, November 4, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. at West Lawn Memorial Park, 9000 Washington Ave., with Rev. Alan Schneider officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the cemetery from 1 p.m. until time of service at 1:30 p.m. Memorials to the Becker-Shoop Center have been suggested.

Marie’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to all the caregivers at the Becker-Shoop Center for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Charles Takerian

Charles Takerian, 87, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, at Hospice Alliance in Kenosha.

He was born on August 20, 1923, and lived in and worked in Racine his whole life. Chuck was self-employed in the restaurant and tavern business.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Pat. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Al) Yeilding; grandchildren, Tony (Trish) Commodore and Britney Yielding; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Harry and Tom Takerian of Arizona, Paul Takerian of Virginia and Zachary Takerian of Florida; as well as seven nieces and nephews.

Private funeral services will be held.

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

Susan Ann (Groenewold) Donovan

Surrounded by her family, Susan Ann Donovan, age 68, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2010, at her residence. Susan was born in Milwaukee, WI, on February 25, 1942, daughter of the late Hubert and Marjorie A. (Kerndt) Groenewold.

On July 30, 1960, she was united in marriage to John “Jack” Donovan. For seventeen years Susan worked side by side with her husband at the Kurten Clinic Pharmacy. She later ran “Grandma’s Rocker” Daycare Center for six years. In her retirement she enjoyed her travels to various casinos and to musicals at the Fireside Theater. Susan was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. More than anything she cherished time spent with family and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her loving husband of fifty years, Jack; her children, Michael J. (Alison) Donovan, Steven “Rocky” J. (Tara) Donovan, all of Racine, Debra A. (Gregory) Janeck of St. Thomas, North Dakota, Lisa M. (Gerald) Drea of Racine; her grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, and Marissa Drea, Ian and Emma Donovan, Quinn and Sawyer Donovan, Michelle (Carlos) Donovan; her two great-grandchildren, Jonah and Lilliana; sister, Stephanie Kasulke of Milwaukee, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

Susan’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Steven Johnson and his staff for their loving and compassionate care.


MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME

803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888