Lillian 'Lil' M. (Grzyb) Erick

Lillian “Lil” M. Erick, age 82, peacefully passed to eternal life surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at the Racine Hospice House.  Lil was born in Racine on December 27, 1931, daughter of the late Frank and Mary Ann (Nee:  Rutkowski) Grzyb.

Lil attended St. Stanislaus Grade School and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1950.”  In 1950 she won the Miss Goodwill Pageant which later became known as  the Miss Racine Pageant.  Lil owned and operated LilyAnn’s Beauty Salon for many years, retiring in 1985.   After retiring from cosmetology, Lil obtained her real estate license and joined Prudential Realty. Lil was of the Christian Faith.  She enjoyed playing cards, traveling, gardening and water color painting.   Most of all, she treasured time spent with family.  She will be deeply missed.

Lil is survived by her children, Laura (Curt) Rude of Racine, Thomas (Heather) Stuebe of West Falls, NY, Daniel (Nancy) Stuebe of Scottsdale, AZ, Lynda (Craig) Hunter of Wadsworth, IL, Carol Stuebe (Kye Maves) of Racine; stepchildren, Karen (Nee: Erick) (Fred) Kreutz, Fred (Kate) Erick Jr.; thirteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren with another to arrive next month; sister-in-law, Florence Grzyb of Racine; her dear friend, “the sister she never had,” LaVerne (Donnie) Hinderholtz; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Thomas Stuebe, Frederic Erick, Irv Scheel and Lee Wolff; brothers, Walter “Eddie” Grzyb and Stanley Grzyb.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Tony Larsen officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Hospice House of Racine have been suggested.

A very special thank you to Dr. Michael Mullane, Dr. Gerald Wisniewski and staffs for their compassion and excellent care,  giving Lil many extra years of quality life.

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

Rylis William Johnson

Rylis William Johnson, infant, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at his residence.  He was born in Racine on November 5, 2013, to Kayla Wells and Shaun Johnson who survive him.

He is further survived by his sister, Elsie; grandparents, Wendy Nelson, Michael Wells, Aretha Johnson, and Scott Peters; and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 3 p.m. with Reverend Jack Gilbert officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet Saturday from 2 p.m. until time of service.

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

Elaine S. (Shovers) Kaufman

Los Angeles, CA -- Elaine Sena Kaufman, age 86, passed away on Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, at her residence.  She was born in Appleton, WI, on Dec. 13, 1927, daughter of the late Edward and Fannie (Nee: Goldin) Shovers.  She moved to Racine early in her childhood.

Elaine graduated from William Horlick High School.  She married Eugene H. Kaufman on Jan. 16, 1949. He preceded her in death on July 18, 1982. Eugene was a Doctor of Podiatry in Racine for 35 years. Elaine worked by his side as his office manager.

She was a member of Beth Israel Sinai Congregation, and a member and past President of the Racine Chapter of Hadassah and Sisterhood. Elaine enjoyed volunteering, all forms of needlework, sculpting, painting, and spending time with her family and relatives. She will be dearly missed.

Surviving are her children, Cheryl (Hanoch) Livneh of Portland, Ore.; Debra Kaufman of Beverly Hills, Calif.; Jeffrey (Ruth) Kaufman of Los Angeles; Lawrence (Mary McNeel) Kaufman of Redding, Conn.; grandchildren, Danya (Golan) Minyan, Yael Livneh, Mychal (Valencia) Johnson, Evan Kaufman, Aaron Kaufman, Lauren Kaufman and Matthew Kaufman; and great-grandchildren, Eitan Minyan and Nadav Minyan. She is also survived by her twin sister, Phyllis Brown of San Jose, Calif.; and her brother, Alan (Susan) Shovers of Evansville, Ind.; and sister-in-law, Leone Kaufman Niemic of Racine. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Charlotte Katz.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2014, at 1 p.m. at Beth Israel Sinai Temple, 944 Main St., with Rabbi Martyn Adelberg officiating.  Interment will follow at Racine Jewish Memorial Cemetery.  Memorials to Hadassah or one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

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

Steven M. Kirchmeier

Steven M. Kirchmeier, age 61, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2014, at Kindred Healthcare North, Kenosha.  He was born in Racine on August 19, 1952, to Russell and Eileen (Nee: Quade) Kirchmeier.

Steve graduated from Wm Horlick High School and was a car enthusiast who was well known for his automotive restoration.  He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his mother, Eileen; his daughter, Brandy; and his sister, Shelia Pinkalla.  He was preceded in death by his father.

Per Steve’s wishes, no funeral services will be held.

The family wishes to thank the staff and friends at Kindred North for their loving and compassionate care.  

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

Esperanza Martinez Velazquez

Esperanza Martinez Velazquez, 77, passed away surrounded by her loving family, born to eternal life on Sunday, February 23, 2014, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center.   Esperanza was born in Goliad, Texas, on July 27, 1936, daughter of the late Leandro Martinez Sr. and Gregoria (Nee:  Rodriguez).

Esperanza was married to Jacobo Velazquez on June 17, 1971, in Waukegan, Illinois.  She was a member of Racine Family Worship Center.   Esperanza was a loyal wife and an example for her children and everyone who knew her.  She was a Vikings fan all the way.

Survivors include her loving husband, Jacobo; her six children, Adolpho (Carmen) Torres, Diane (Guillermo) Quiñones, Abel Torres, Adam (Jacklyn) Torres, Alex Torres, Denise Torres (Gabriel) Nuno; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Rito (Maria) Martinez, Federico (Ann) Martinez, Maria Elena Casarez, Leandro (Beverly) Martinez Jr., Joe (Connie) Martinez, John Pizzarro, Carolina Diaz, Rodrigo Martinez; sister-in-law, Caro Velazquez; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, San Juana, Guadalupe; and loving daughter-in-law, Mildred Cordova.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2014, at 10 a.m. at Racine Family Worship Center, 1848 Mead St., with Rev. Guadalupe Torres officiating.  Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the church from 6 p.m. with an all-night vigil until time service at the church on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Special thanks to all the caregivers at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care.

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

Clinton 'Clint' H. Erhardt

Clinton “Clint” H. Erhardt, age 87, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2014, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center.  Clint was born in Racine on March 7, 1926, son of the late Herbert and Helen (Nee:  Thoennes) Erhardt.

During World War II he proudly served in the United States Army as a Corporal in Big Red One.  On June 7, 1952, at St. Rose Catholic Church he was united in marriage to Joyce E. Rogers.  Clint’s pastimes included golfing, gardening and motorcycling.  More than anything, he treasured time spent with his family, friends and pets, and always made time for a daily prayer and Bible study with his family.  He will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of sixty-two years, Joyce; his six children, Don (Nita) Hanson, David Erhardt, Dean (Kathy) Erhardt, Douglas Erhardt, Daniel Erhardt, Diane (Frank) Gregory; ten grandchildren, Scott, Steve and Jeff Hanson, Jennifer Fechner (Dave), Jimmy Erhardt, Nathan Erhardt, Jacob Erhardt, Melissa Erhardt, Sarah Gregory and Joshua Gregory; many great-grandchildren; sisters, Lori Cadem, Helyn (Bob) Blodgett; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Sean Granger officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the funeral home from 11:30 a.m. until time of service at 12:30 p.m.  Private interment will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover.  Memorials to the American Heart Association or to the Wisconsin Humane Society have been suggested.

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

Dorothy A. (Legois) Larrabee

Dorothy A. Larrabee, age 83, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2014, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. Dorothy was born in Escanaba, Michigan, on November 30, 1930, daughter of the late John and Lucille (Nee: Gunville) Legois.

On October 9, 1948, in Dubuque, IA, she was united in marriage to Walter B. Larrabee, who preceded her in death on May 17, 2011.

Dorothy was a lifelong member of the Racine Community Church of the Nazarene. An avid reader, she also enjoyed watching old classic movies and loved caring for her grandchildren. Dorothy will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her children and grandchildren, Lynn Quirk and her children, Paul Quirk, Ron Quirk, Jason Mikulecky, Shawn Quirk, Joel Mikulecky; Bruce (Deanna) Larrabee and their children, Sara Larrabee, Rachel Spotz, Geoff Warmington, Rebecca Larrabee, Heather Warmington, Michael Warmington, all of Racine; Rev. Jimmy (Michelene) Larrabee, and their children, Andrew Larrabee, Ryan Larrabee, Trenton Larrabee; Joe (Caren) Larrabee and their children, Christopher Larrabee, Alexander Larrabee, all of Racine; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers-in-law, Orval Larrabee, Ernie Larrabee; many nieces and nephews including, Jalaine Glunt who has been like a second daughter and lifelong friend, Jim Thiele; other relatives and dear friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Tim Quirk; and brother, Claude Legois.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Racine Community Church of the Nazarene, 8440 Spring St., with Rev. Rich Doering officiating, assisted by Rev. Jimmy Larrabee. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Thursday at the church from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Friday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Racine Community Church of the Nazarene-Youth Ministries are suggested by the family.

The family extends a special thank you to Katie Lucci, and the staffs at Lakeshore Manor and Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints for their loving and compassionate care.

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