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JOHN L. BINK
John L. Bink, age 89, of North Montgomery St., Port Washington. passed away Thursday morning, January 29, 2004 at Columbia – St. Mary’s Ozaukee Campus in Mequon.
He was born July 19, 1914 in Port Washington, son of Elizabeth Hermes Bink and Theodore Bink. On September 14, 1940 he was united in marriage to Loraine Adam, daughter of Katie Gengler Adam and George Adam, a former Port Washington Mayor. The couple was married
61 years, and it seems their union was part of God’s master plan.
Their mothers were lifelong friends and one-time fellow employees at Boerner’s, a former Port Washington store. When Loraine was born, her father, George Adam, phoned Theodore Bink and said, “We have a little girl.” Eleven days later, when John was born, Theodore Bink phoned George and said, “We have a little boy to go with your girl.”
John and Loraine became friends at three years of age and remained best of friends until her death on March 17, 2002.
He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington and belonged to the parish choir for many years. He also belonged to a quartet known as the Chord Blenders. John, his brother Florian Bink, John Deppisch and Frank (Ziggy) Meyer comprised the quartet, which sang for many weddings at St. Mary’s and for other private occasions.
John was also a member of St. Mary’s Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus and for the past several years served on St. Mary’s cemetery Board of Directors.
John and Loraine loved to play a card game – Liverpool Rummy – with their family and friends and were members of a four couple card club for several years. John loved to bike and walk and to go hiking with his daughters while they were still at home. He also liked spending time at a family-owned cottage on Lake Michigan at Sandy Beach near Belgium.
He was an avid reader and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. He liked visiting with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too.
In his earlier years, he was a foreman at the Wisconsin Chair Factory in Port Washington, and from 1958 -1979 was a custodian at Port Washington High School, where students called him “Curly, ” due to his bald pate.
He is survived by four daughters: Sue Mroz of Random Lake, Kathy Bink of Shorewood, Laurie (formerly Repinski) (Melvin) Hardy of Lizella, GA, and Mary Pat (John) Gilbert of Lenexa, KA. He is further survived by five grandchildren: David (Robin) Repinski, Denise (Rick) Klas, Stacy (Todd Sr.) Lyden, Katie and Brad Gilbert, Six great-grandchildren : Isabelle Repinski, Krista, Ricky and Michael Klas, Brooke and Todd Lyden Jr., one brother-in-law, Elmer Adam, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his wife, John is preceded in death by two sisters: Helen Eichenseer and Mary Scholl, two brothers: Florian and George Bink, and infant granddaughter, Lisa Marie Mroz.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday evening, February 6, 2004 at 7PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 430 Johnson Street, Port Washington. Father Allan Sommer and Father Guy Gurath will officiate. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Parish cemetery. Friends may call AT THE CHURCH Friday from 5PM until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in John’s name for the needs of St. Mary’s Parish. Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is assisting the family.
HENDERSON, ORLENE O. “Hank”
Hank Henderson, of Portview Drive in Port Washington, died peacefully at his residence Tuesday afternoon, January 27, 2004. He was 82 years old. Hank was born in St. James, MN on December 30, 1921, son of Erick and Selena Ose Henderson. He was united in marriage with Barbara Clay on November 2, 1951 in Lynn, MA. Hank joined the United States Navy, and stayed in service for 32 years. His wife and family joined him at many duty stations, moving about 18 different times. He retired with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. The couple moved to Port Washington about 3 1/2 years ago, coming from California. .He was a member of Albien Lutheran Church in St. James, MN, a member of the Naval Fleet Reserve and the Elks Club. He enjoyed camping, RVing, selling real estate in his spare time, and was a history and politics buff who enjoyed watching CNN daily. He is survived by his wife Barbara, 1 son, Craig Henderson, and 2 daughters, Caryn Atwood and Carey (Bradley) Brice, all of Port Washington. He is further survived by 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 1 brother, Kermit (Lola) Henderson of Excelsior, MN, 1 sister, Margie Fahlin of St. Louis Park, MN, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends and comrades. He is preceded in death by 3 sisters. A Memorial Service will be held at his home church in Minnesota at a later time.
PREISLER, RICHARD J. "Dick"
PORT WASHINGTON. January 22, 2004, age 70 years. Beloved husband of Sandra (nee Lauterbach). Dear father of Connie (Melvin) Debban and Marc Preisler. Loving grandpa of Shawn (ingrid), Tiffany (David) and Travis. Great-grandpa of Chase, Amanda and Coty. Also survived by other relatives and friends. Funeral Monday evening, January 26, 7PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home. Interment Union cemetery. In state Monday from 4-7 PM. Memorials to Alzheimer's Association or Ozaukee Humane Society appreciated.
KAREN M. ELLNER
Mrs. Karen Ellner, of Lindale St. in Belgium, passed away at her residence early Wednesday morning, surrounded by her family. She was 61 years old. Karen was born in Ann Arbor, MI, daughter of Harvey and Hazel Radcliff Ostron. On November 23, 1962 she was united in marriage to Gene Ellner in Milwaukee. Karen worked at Allen Edmonds for almost 20 years before becoming a Prep Cook at Smith Brothers Restaurant in Port Washington. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Grove, and enjoyed home decorating, gardening, cooking and playing with her grandchildren. She was also an avid movie buff. She is survived by her husband, Gene, of Belgium, their 3 children: Kevin (Patti Jo) Ellner of Menomonee Falls, Lorie (Carl) Buser of Belgium and Thomas Ellner of Saukville, 7 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 1 step-great-granddaughter. She is further survived by 3 brothers: William (Evelyn) Ostron of Amberg, James (Katherine) Ostron of Wauwatosa, and Richard Ostron of Hartford, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and her parents-in-law: Fred Ellner, Dorothy Ellner Bigney and Howard Bigney. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, January 25, 2004 3:00 PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave., in Belgium. Rev. David Vandixhorn will officiate. Burial will take place in Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield. The family will receive visitors at the Funeral Home Sunday from 1-3 PM. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, 221 N. Main St., Cedar Grove.
JOHN J. GRASSE
John Grasse, age 64 years of 209 W. James Dr., Port Washington died Friday evening, January 16, 2004 at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Ozaukee Campus in Mequon. He was born April 15, 1939 in Port Washington, son of Ruth Hansen Grasse and the late Ray Grasse. On October 8, 1960 he married
Juliann Gall at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Saukville. John served in the US Air Force and was a foreman with the Ozaukee County Highway Dept. retiring after 38 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington and enjoyed coffee with his friends at Harry’s Restaurant. He enjoyed spending time with his family and photographing wildlife and lighthouses. He is survived by his wife Juliann, children Amy (Dan) Wucherer of Brookfield, Jacqueline Grasse of Milwaukee and Robert (Kathy) Grasse of Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL, his mother Ruth Grasse Jones of Milwaukee, 2 grandchildren Eliott and Peyton Wucherer, 1 brother Tom (Lynda) Grassee, mother in law Agnes Gall, brothers in law, sisters in law, other relatives and friends. Funeral Monday, Jan. 19, 7 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Port Washington with Father Allan Sommer officiating. Burial in St. Mary’s cemetery, Port Washington. Visitation at the Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington Monday from 3:30 – 6:30 PM. Memorials to St. Mary’s Church or National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, 16655 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield, WI 53226 appreciated.
ERNA E. JOHL-WACKERNAGEL
Long-time resident of Port Washington Erna E. Johl Wackernagel, age 98 years, died in the early morning hours of January 17, 2004 at Harbor Club, where she had been a resident since July of 1998.
Born on October 11, 1905, in the village of Trockenglienke, Germany, to Johann and Johanna Drews, she was one of nine children. She married
Johannes (Hans) Johl in Trockenglienke on September 17, 1928. Following their wedding, they traveled to the United States on their honeymoon and settled in Milwaukee.
They were sponsored by Emil Johl of Saukville. Hans Johl was a butcher by trade and had come to the United States in 1923 to work for Emil Johl, his Uncle, for two years before returning to his native Germany. It was then the two met.
From Milwaukee they moved to Port Washington in 1946 with their two children, where her husband and Clarence Stark operated the Johl and Stark Meat Market on Grand Avenue.
She later worked at the Smart Shop on Franklin Street, for 20 years. While working at the Smart Shop, she frequently went to Chicago on buying trips for the store, traveling by train to and from Port. She also worked as a volunteer at the Pebble House, Port's Chamber of Commerce Information Center.
Her first husband, Hans Johl, preceded her in death on February 25, 1965.
On October 20, 1973, she married
Ernst Wackernagel of Port Washington. He preceded her in death on October 24, 1975.
Erna was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Port Washington. She enjoyed traveling with her husbands, and then later traveled with seniors on numerous trips programmed out of the Port Washington Senior Center. She took pleasure in taking care of her kittens and gardens at her former home on Larabee Street and socialized with neighbors and friends.
Survivors include her son, Herbert (Jesselyn Fiedler) Johl of Columbia, Maryland, and daughter Ingrid (Gordon) Williams of Kokomo, Indiana, four grandchildren and 9 great- grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, January 20, 2004, 6:30PM at Eernisse Funeral Home, The Rev. John Klieve of St. John's Lutheran Church officiated.
Interment was in Union cemetery, Port Washington.
Memorials suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church, Port Washington.
Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is assisting the family.
Wilbert G. “Willy” Bittner
Mr. Wilbert Bittner, of Cedar Beach Road, Belgium, passed away at his residence early in the morning on January 13, 2004. He was 79 years old. Willy was born in the Town of Belgium on March 16, 1924, son of Henry and Mary Welter Bittner. On September 27, 1947 he was united in marriage with Virginia Schmit at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Random Lake. Mr. Bittner had worked at Allen Edmonds Shoe Factory for 62 years, retiring in July of 2003 . Willy was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Lake Church, the Catholic Foresters and was a former member of the Belgium Fire Department. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and working on his house. He also enjoyed being outside landscaping and the family pets. He is survived by his wife, Ginny, of Belgium, 2 daughters, Linda (James) Theisen of Random Lake and Judy Bittner of Milwaukee, 2 grandsons, Eric (Heidi) Theisen of Phoenix, AZ and Brian Theisen of Oostburg, 4 sisters: Mildred (Killian) Bode of Port Washington, Helen (the late Martin ) Deppiesse of West Bend, Marie Weyker of Grafton and Theresa (Earl) Oelhafen of Cedar Grove. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by 3 brothers, Ervin, Donald and LeRoy Bittner and 1 sister, Estella Eischen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 16, 7:30 PM at St. Mary, Lake Church. Father James Vojtik and Father James Ernster will officiate. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the CHURCH Friday afternoon from 3-7:30PM. Memorials are suggested to the ALS Unit at Froedert Lutheran Memorial Hospital or St. Mary Parish.
LEONA O. PATOCK
Mrs. Leona Patock, age 90 years, formerly of Port Washington died Monday, January 12, 2004 at Lasata Care Center in Cedarburg where she had been a resident for the past two years. She was born June 11, 1913 in Beaver Dam, daughter of the late Bartholemeow and Antonette Strobel. On October 25, 1941 she married
John Patock in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death in 2001. Mrs. Patock was hard working and independent, keeping to herself but touching the lives of many. She enjoyed walking, word puzzles, bingo, dining out and being with her family who will miss her dearly. She is survived by her daughter Sharlene Bochert of Saukville, two granddaughters Michelle and Melissa Bochert, and1 sister Cecelia Lapinski of Milwaukee. She was preceded in death by her husband, 1 sister Dorothy Schmoldt and one brother Henry Strobel. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2 PM at Lasata Care Center Chapel, W76 N677 Wauwatosa Road, Cedarburg with Father James Ernster officiating. Burial will be in Holy Trinity cemetery, Milwaukee. Visitation will be at Lasata Chapel Wednesday from 1 PM until time of services. The family wishes to thank all the wonderful staff at Lasata Care Center and McDonalds of Cedarburg PM staff .The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.
PEARL B. RITTER
Mrs. Pearl Ritter, age 86 of 1521 W. Second Ave., Port Washington, formerly of Saukville died Thursday, January 8th at her residence. She was born May 16, 1917 in Milwaukee, daughter of Henry and Edna Crockett Bliesner. On September 28, 1945 she married
William Ritter. He preceded her in death in 1986. Mrs. Ritter taught school in Stanford, CT for ten years, retiring in 1977. She lived in California for a while, moving to Saukville in 1990. She was a member of St. Simon The Fisherman Episcopal Church in Port Washington, Van Ells-Schanen American Legion Auxilary in Port Washington and enjoyed reading, needlepoint, knitting and cooking. She is survived by one son Stephen (Jacqueline) Ritter of Saukville. two grandchildren Bill Ritter and Shauna (Jim) Gnorski. She was preceded in death by her husband and one son David. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 11 AM at St. Simon The Fisherman Episcopal Church, 3448 Green Bay Road, Port Washington with Father Julian Hills officiating. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.
EARL O. PREISLER
Mr. Earl Preisler, age 75 years, of Milwaukee Street in Port Washington, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 7, 2004. Earl was born in Saukville on March 5, 1928, son of Leo and Selma Robel Preisler. After graduating from Cedar Grove High School, he entered the US Army. On July 26, 1952, he married
Carol Keller at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington. The couple stayed in Port Washington and Earl worked as a welder at Wisconsin Electric Company for 32 years. Mr. Preisler was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and enjoyed golf, hunting and fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. He also taught welding at MATC and golf at Hawthorne Hills Golf Course. He is survived by his wife, Carol, of Port Washington, their 4 children: Glenn (Lori) of Port Washington, Dr. Gary (Kathy) of West Bend, Judy (Dan) Strauss and Michelle (Kevin) Wieck, both of Port Washington. He is further survived by 13 grandchildren: Amy, Shawn, Katie and Sarah Preisler, Maggie, Danielle & Alex Earl Strauss, Miranda, Cayden and McKenzie Wieck, Jacqueline, Valerie and Andrea Preisler, 1 sister, Pearl (Chris) Van Dixhorn of Chippewa Falls, 1 brother, Leo (the late Barbara) Preisler of Cable, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by 2 infant daughters, Jacqueline and Cheryl. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 9, 2004, 7PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Port Washington. Father Allen Sommer will officiate. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the CHURCH Friday from 4-7PM. Memorials are suggested to Port Catholic Schools. Online condolences can be made at www.eernissefuneralhome.com Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is assisting the family.
Kenneth Howard Beger
Kenneth H. Beger, died peacefully on January 5, 2004. He was 96 years old, and the loving husband for 67 years to Lucia Ottow-Beger. Mr. Beger was born on December 15, 1907, in Fredonia, Wisconsin, the son of the late Richard F. Beger and Alma Plaum-Beger.
Mr. Beger graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and received his Masters Degree in education from Lawrence University. He began his long and successful 42 year career at Mishicot, WI where he taught Social Studies and coached basketball and track, as well as organized the Peninsula 4 Athletic Conferences. He was a Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Guidance Director, Assistant High School Principal and Coach at Neenah, Grafton and Cedarburg before moving to Madison. Mr. Beger retired in Madison after numerous years of service working for the Monona Grove School District where he was the High School Principal, District Director of Special Service and Special Education. Upon retirement be moved back to Ozaukee County to the family farm, “Die Heimat”, a 140 acre plot his great-grandfather bought from the government for $1.25 per acre in 1846.
Much of his time was spent working for Wisconsin education, both during his active teaching career, and later with the Retired Teachers Association. Mr. Beger was the first Vice President for the W.E.A. (Wisconsin Education Association). He headed several other local, county, and state organizations in the field of education. After his retirement his efforts were directed toward helping the elderly. He was a charter member of the Ozaukee Commission on Aging, as well as Vice Chairman and former president of the Ozaukee Retired Teachers Association. Mr. Beger was Ozaukee’s first delegate to the areas Agency on Aging. He was a member of the Steering Committee of the Wisconsin Coalition on Aging, was on the Advisory Committee to the Wisconsin Bureau on Aging, Original Board of Trustee member for the Lasata Nursing Home, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, an Executive Board member of the Ozaukee Historical Society, a member of the Governor’s Committee for the Crime Victim Compensation Board, and was intimately involved in the crime prevention programming for A.A.R.P. (American Association for Retired Persons). Mr. Beger was also involved in the organization of the Badgers Boy State in 1939 where he served on the Board of Directors as Assistant Vice President for 20 years, and retired in 1978 after 35 years of service.
Mr. Beger was an ardent conservationalist long before the word ecology became popular. He had planted thousands of trees in his adult life and was very concerned about wildlife and the great outdoors. His favorite pastime was walking in his woods enjoying its’ natural beauty.
Besides his wife Lucia, Mr. Beger is survived by a son: Dr. Robert K. Beger and his companion, Susan K. Sharpee (Guenther) of Okauchee, WI; a daughter, Susan Beger-Race and her husband, Norman Race, of Americus, GA; three grandchildren: Dr. Aimee Beger of Scottsdale, AZ; Rene Beger of Columbus, Georgia; and Carolyn Race, of Washington DC.
Funeral service will take place at Advent Lutheran Church W63N642 Washington Ave. Cedarburg, at 11 am on Saturday, January 10, 2004. The family will receive friends at the church from 10-11 AM. There will be a private burial following the service at Union cemetery, Fillmore, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Beger’s memory may be made to one of the following organizations: Pineview Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center, W4953 Highway H, Little Kohler, WI, 53021.or Habitat for Humanity 131 N. Webster St. Port Washington, WI 53074. Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is assisting the family.
The family of Kenneth Beger would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Cedar Springs Nursing Home and the nurses of Heartland home Health Care & Hospice for the compassionate care and loving kindness they have shown to our dear husband, father, and grandfather.
FLORA A. SEEFELDT
Mrs. Flora Seefeldt, age 90 years, formerly of Grafton died Monday, January 5, 2004 at Friendship Village in Milwaukee where she was a resident. She was born September 4, 1913 in a farm house two and one half miles east of Mayville, WI, daughter of Henry and Helene Zell Steinbach. She graduated from Mayville High School and attended Dodge County Normal School, receiving her teaching certificate. On August 9, 1936 she married
Christian Seefeldt at Immanual Lutheran Church, Town of Mayville. He preceded her in death in 1991. In 1946 the family moved to Grafton where Mr. Seefeldt was the principal at St. Paul Lutheran School. Mrs. Seefeldt returned to teaching in Ozaukee County public schools, first at Lakeview School on Hwy. 33 west of Saukville and then at Maple Grove School near Port Washington. Mrs. Seefeldt then taught at St. Paul Lutheran School in Grafton until 1959. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Grafton, St. Paul’s Wome'ns Guild and the Lutheran Womens Missionary League. She was an avid reader and taught cake decorating and quilting at the former Vocational School in Port Washington. Survivors include two daughters Rita (Robert) Burfeind of Grafton and Marian (John) Steinke of Brookfield, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 brother Martin (Ruth) Steinbach of Allenton, WI. She was preceded in death by her husband, two sets of infant twins, two brothers and four sisters. Funeral services will be Friday, January 9, 4 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 Washington St., Grafton. Interment Hochheim cemetery, Town of Herman, Dodge County. Visitation will be at the CHURCH Friday from 1-4 PM. Memorials to St. Paul Lutheran Church appreciated. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.
