Obituaries from The Post Crescent, Appleton Wisconsin Wednesday 12 April 2000 Dianne M. Arnson Greenville Age 43, died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois. Arrangements are pending with Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home. Charlotte Becker Appleton Age 64, died on Monday, April 10, 2000, at the Franciscan Care Center. She was born in Manitowoc on April 19, 1935, to the late Anton and Ella (Pohlenkowski) Becker. Charlotte was a member of the Appleton Jaycettes for many years. She will be remembered as a free spirit who spoke her mind. She was a good artist and she loved helping people who were less fortunate than her including many teen-agers and runaways. Charlotte was a hard worker who loved her family and was always there for them when they needed her. She will be sadly missed by her sons, Tony Schoepke, Appleton; Dan Schoepke, San Jose, California; Ross Schoepke, Appleton; sisters, Jen Gransee, Fort Worth, Texas; Marge Kaderabek, Norman, Oklahoma; her granddaughters whom she loved very much, Heather R. Belanger-Schoepke, Natassja A. Schoepke; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Florence Lyons. A time for friends to gather will be held on Friday, April 14, 2000, at the Valley Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy a memorial has been established. Valley Funeral Home 2211 N. Richmond St. 733-5435 *Serving as would be Served* Robert G. Blebke E.3857 Lind Center Road Waupaca, Wis. Age 69, died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at St. Joseph Hospital, Marshfield. Arrangements are being handled by Taylor Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. Full obituary to follow in Thursday's Post Crescent. Ruth Marie Bradke (Lauterbach) Bloomington, Indiana Age 88, died Saturday in Bloomington. Born in Milwaukee, she formerly owned and operated the Bradke Family Restaurant in Neenah. Member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Menasha, and had been president of their Missionary Society. Was a longstanding member of Lakeshore Country Club in Oshkosh and the Silverlake Garden Club in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Survived by her husband, Leorman J. Bradke; son, Don Bradke, M.D., both of Bloomington, Indiana; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by a son, Jim W. Bradke, in 1998. Day Mortuary, Bloomington, Indiana, is handling arrangements. John E. Burns Town of Askeaton Age 77, passed away Tuesday morning, April 11, 2000, with his family at his side. John was born June 4, 1922, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to the late John and Mary (Weigelt) Burns. On July 16, 1943, John married Lorraine Brown in San Diego, California. John and Lorraine lived and farmed in Askeaton for most of their lives. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John also enjoyed spending time at the cottage in Weyauwega and fishing there. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, Askeaton; children, John R. (Jill) Burns, Askeaton; Barbara (Dennis) Nienhaus, De Pere; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Trish) Burns, Watertown; James Plouff, United States Air Force-Lousiana; Jackie (David) Ley, De Pere; Angela (and special friend, Matt) Nienhaus, Chicago, Illinois; Robert (special friend, Lisa) Nienhaus, De Pere; great-grandchildren, Jeffrey and Alison Burns, Watertown; Patrick and Parker Ley, De Pere; along with other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Patricia Plouff; two brothers, Jim and Norb, and a sister, Marie. Friends may call at DeWane-Cotter Funeral Home, 920-532-4366, 711 Main Street, Wrightstown Wednesday 4-8 p.m. (TONIGHT). There will be a parish prayer service this evening at 7 p.m. The visitation will continue Thursday after 9 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Askeaton, until the time of service. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Al Geiser officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery. Special thank-you to the doctors and staff at Bellin Hospital 1st floor South, especially Dr. Jones, Dr. Hendricks and Dr. Meyer. Mrs. Anthony "Tony" Choudoir (Bernice F. Schultz) Appleton Age 85, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Bernice was born October 30, 1914, in Appleton, the daughter of the late Otto and Minnie (Kotz) Schultz and has resided in Appleton all of her life. She was united in marriage to Tony Choudoir on December 19, 1936, sharing 63 years together. Bernice will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and immaculate housekeeper, who enjoyed her church, sunny days, African violets and playing cards with friends. She worked along with Tony in the concession stand for the Fox Cities Foxes, at Goodland Field, for over 20 years. Bernice's family was a founding member of St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church. She was the first person baptized at St. Matthew's and has remained a faithful member all of her life. Bernice was a member of the Ladies Aid and a former Sunday School teacher. She was also a member and former officer of Appleton Branch 822 of the National Association of Letter Carriers Auxiliary. Survivors include her husband, Tony; a daughter and son- in-law, Lynn and Ben Miller, Appleton; a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Diane Choudoir, Appleton; three grandchildren, Timothy (Tammi) Miller, Cassandra and Beau Choudoir; two step- grandchildren, Taylor and Paige; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Roland (Vernice) Choudoir, Appleton; Harold Choudoir, Appleton; Ethelyn Choudoir, Menasha; Sally Wegner, Appleton; Joyce Choudoir, Stevens Point; and many nieces, nephews other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by an infant son, Charles, in 1939; a sister Lila Acord; a sister-in-law, Ione Choudoir, and three brothers-in-law, Warren and Gordon Choudoir, and Melvin "Bud" Wegner. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2000, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 129 S. Mason St., Appleton, with the Reverend David Pagel and the Reverend Randall Johnson officiating. Interment will be at Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer Funeral Chapel from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and then directly at the church from 10 a.m. Friday until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established. Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer 606 N. Oneida St. Appleton, Wis. 920-733-7383 Joyce R. Clarke Appleton Age 69, died on Sunday, April 9, 2000. She was born in Appleton on August 20, 1930, to the late Richard and Rose (Londre) Blahnik. She was united in marriage on August 7, 1992, to Donald Clarke. Joyce was employed at Lawrence University for over 20 years. She is survived by two sons, Bruce (Sandra) LaCount, Appleton; Randal (Delores) LaCount, California; three daughters, Vikki (David) Ivey, Illinois; Penny Sue (Jack) Hardy, Appleton; Jill (Michael) Rudolph, South Dakota; and a sister, Bette Jane Nickasch; 16 grandchildren; three great- grandchildren; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Jon LaCount; her step father, Frank Frye; twin sisters, June Rose and Janette Marie; and a brother, Richard Blahnik Jr. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 14, 2000, at 12 p.m. at the Valley Funeral Home, with the Reverend Leon Knitt officiating. The visitation will be on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy a memorial has been established. Valley Funeral Home 2211 N. Richmond Street 733-5435 *Serving as would be Served* Kirk E. Erlinger Appleton Age 73, passed away on Monday, April 10, 2000, at Rennes Health Care Center. He was born in New Athens, Illinois, on October 23, 1926, the son of the late Raymond and Edna (Schmidt) Erlinger. He was employed as a sales manager for State Farm Insurance for over 30 years. He is survived by his wife, Mary Helen (Ballhausen) Erlinger, Appleton; his children and grandchildren, Beth (Stephen) Kelly, and Jeremy and Kyle, all of Sherwood; Barbara (Dane) Trodahl and Nicholas and Benn, all of Wonewoc, Wisconsin; Brad Erlinger, Appleton; sister-in-law, Dorothy Erlinger, Lady Lake, Florida; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, George (Doris) Ballhausen, Red Bud, Illinois; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Erlinger. A private memorial service will be held. The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff of Rennes Health Care Center for all of their kindness during Kirk's illness. WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME 537 North Superior Street Appleton 739-1231 Mrs. John (Marie) Hilla 1824 Division St., Appleton Age 93, went home to be with God on Monday, April 10, 2000. She was born on January 8, 1907, in Thornshvip, Denmark, to John and Jensine Johnson. Marie worked in several secretarial positions including Fort Howard Paper Co., The Walnut Clinic and Van's Supply and Equipment. She was a lifelong member of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She was a Past Noble Grand for Green Bay Rebekah Lodge #185 and an officer in the Nazarine Shrine #8 White Shrine of Jerusalem and Martha Washington Chapter #124 Order of the Eastern Star. Survivors include her only child, Charles (Sharon) Hilla. Marie loved Sharon as if she were her own daughter; three grandchildren, Jonathan, Christine and Meagan, who she was very proud of and loved with all her heart; a brother, Robert Johnson, Illinois; a sister, Eleanor Nuss, California; and many nieces, nephews, friends and her special companion, W.R. (Jack) Jecklin, Appleton. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, John Hilla and Clarence Paulson; six brothers, Peter, Neils, Charles, Otto, William and Lawrence Johnson; and three sisters, Meta Schwarz, Verna Holmes and Esther Schwarz. Marie lived life to its fullest. She was a devoted Christian who had a faithful and loving relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ. Through His love, her family roots grew, blossomed and flowered from generation to generation. She loved nature and animals especially her Siamese cats and her dogs, Smokey and Goldie. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Friends may call Thursday, April 13, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Lyndahl Funeral Home, Lombardi Avenue and Ridge Road, Green Bay. There will be a Rebekah Lodge #185 service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1350 Bond Street, Green Bay, on Friday after 10 a.m. to be followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. The Reverend Gary Forseth will honor the family by officiating Marie's celebration to eternal life. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, John, at Fort Howard Memorial Park, Green Bay. The family especially wishes to thank the ThedaCare home health care providers of Appleton, Wisconsin, especially Chris, her loving and caring nurse. Clifford C. Lembcke Appleton Age 81, died on Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at the Franciscan Care Center. Services are pending with the Valley Funeral Home. VALLEY FUNERAL HOME 2211 N. Richmond St. 733-5435 *Serving as would be Served* Roman J. Marx 137 S. Eighth St., Hilbert Age 63, loving husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 11, 2000, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 26, 1936, in Hilbert, son of the late Jacob and Rose (Schoenborn) Marx. Roman married Carol Pruess on June 30, 1962, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hilbert. He served in the United States Army from 1958-1960 receiving a Good Conduct Medal. He was employed at Smurfit-Stone Container, Neenah, until his retirement. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Hilbert. Roman's greatest joy was spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Carol; four children, Lisa (Ken) Liebzeit, Hilbert; Lynn (Dan) Haen, Hollandtown; Lori (Tim) Ashauer, Kaukauna; James (Renee) Marx, Little Chute; nine grandchildren, Melanie, Stephanie, and Ridge Liebzeit; Ashley, Travis, Dominic, and Amber Haen; Adam Ashauer; and Katelyn Marx; a sister, Irene (Denis) Uitenbroek, Darboy; three sisters-in-law, Magdelan Pruess, Marie Hauser, and Janice Marx; two brothers-in-law, Donald (Mary) Pruess, and Alan (Sherry) Pruess. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Melvin and Arthur Marx; two brothers-in-law, Arthur Pruess and Harold Hauser; his mother and father-in-law, Oscar and Veronica Pruess. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2000, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Hilbert, with the Reverend Rallen Stencil officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call at the Wieting Funeral Home in Chilton from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. A parish vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. He was a special man who knew the strength of gentleness, who gave the gift of thoughtfulness who lived a life of kindness and of love. Donald "Butch" Stoffel 217 Parkside Court, Kimberly Age 78, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at Appleton Medical Center. He was born June 24, 1921, in Appleton, son of the late William and Margaret (Garvey) Stoffel. He married Rosemary Gonnering August 20, 1949, sharing 50 years together. He was employed by the Appleton Fire Department for 25 years and retired as a Captain in 1976. Butch was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church of Kimberly, AARP, and the Professional Retired Firemen Association. Fishing, bowling, and golfing were activities he enjoyed throughout his life, but being with his family at the cottage at Chute Pond were his happiest times. Survivors include his wife, Rosie; three sons and daughters-in-law, Don and Kathy Stoffel, Kaukauna; Dan and Deb Stoffel, Appleton; Dave and Shelly Stoffel, Black Creek; three daughters and sons-in-law: Mary and Robert Sanderfoot, Little Chute; Nancy and Dale Brux, Wisconsin Rapids; Tena and Jeff Maulick, Freedom; a sister, Ethel Geiger, Clintonville; 12 grandchildren, Nicole (Ryan) VandenHeuvel; Shannon Sanderfoot; Paul and Craig Stoffel; Tory and Bradley Brux; Jason and Leslie Stoffel; Tanner, Hunter, and Taylor Maulick; and Kyle Stoffel; a great-grandson, Rylee VandenHeuvel. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Joeyann; a sister, Vivian Brumm; and a brother, John Stoffel. Services will be held 12 noon, Thursday, April 13, 2000, at Holy Name Catholic Church, Kimberly, with the Reverend Dennis Bergsbaken officiating. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton. Friends may call at Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer Funeral Chapel Wednesday, April 12, 2000, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The Appleton VFW Memorial Service will be held 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel with the Parish Wake Service to follow at 7 p.m. A memorial fund has been established. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Appleton Cardiology, Dr. Michael Johnson and the nurses on 2 South at Appleton Medical Center. Gramps, In every sugar filled coffee I drink, or fire truck that I see; I'll cherish all the memories we've shared deep inside of me. Until we meet again. All of my heart. The Fisherman's Prayer: I pray that I may live to fish until my dying day; And when it comes to my last cast I then most humbly pray; When in the Lord's great landing net and peacefully asleep; That in His mercy I be judged big enough to keep. Love, your kids. Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer 606 N. Oneida St., Appleton 920-733-7383 Madeline F. Tschantz W891 Harvestor Road, Brillion Age 81, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 9, 2000. She was born October 16, 1918, in the Town of Rantoul, daughter of the late Sylvester and Anna (Berg) Plapper. She married Lawrence Tschantz on October 30, 1943, in Marshfield. They shared 43 years of marriage together before his death on February 10, 1986. They farmed in the Town of Brillion and retired in 1978. After retirement, she served as clerk for the Town of Brillion for 20 years until her retirement in 1999. She was a long time member of St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church in Brillion. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Don Schneider, Neenah; a son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Jeane Tschantz, Appleton; a grandson and daughter-in-law, Brian and Jennifer Tschantz, Neenah; two granddaughters, Deann and special friend, Mike Ramm, Illinois; Amber and special friend, Craig Hernandez, Appleton. Madeline was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; two sisters, Ruth Kasper and Marie Dettman; a brother, Harold Plapper, who died in childhood. Funeral services will be Friday, April 14, at 11 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church, Brillion. The Reverend Mark Krueger will officiate. Entombment will be at Knollwood Mausoleum, Manitowoc. Friends may call at the Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and then at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund is being established in Madeline's name. Luisita Dye Whitman Died, Monday, April 10, 2000, at University Hospital in Madison. Luisita Dye Whitman was born September 30, 1910, in her family's home, known as "Forest Hill" in Liberty, Missouri, the only daughter of Ida Miller Dye and Alexander Vincent Dye, and granddaughter of Robert H. Miller, the founder of The Liberty Tribune Newspaper. Her father was in the diplomatic service and she lived in Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Berlin and London, and in Tempe, Arizona, in Rye, New York, and in Liberty. She was christened Margaret Louise Dye but was given the Luisita while living in Mexico City. She attended the University of Missouri, graduating in 1932. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She received her Master of Arts degree in French Literature from Duke University in 1934. At Duke she met William Tate Whitman, from Boaz, Alabama, a graduate student in political science and economics, and they married in 1936 at Forest Hill. They spent their early married life in Charleston, South Carolina, and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1947. In Atlanta she was a member of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, the Emory University Women's Club and the Wednesday Morning Study Club. She and her husband moved to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1998. She will be remembered with love for her quiet intelligence, gentle graciousness and deep loyalty to family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Tate, Madison; two daughters, Melinda (Phil) Certain, Madison; and Ernestine Whitman (Howard Niblock), Appleton; and four grandchildren, Andrew, Heather, Laura and Elliott. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, April 17, 2000, in the Chapel of First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1609 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin. The family expresses their appreciation for the care and attention of the physicians, nurses, nursing assistants and staff of UW Hospital and Clinics and Middleton Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Cress Funeral Home 608-238-3434 Joseph Arnold Zitzelberger Age 84, formerly of 7004 Moenning Road, Sheboygan, died on Monday afternoon, April 10, 2000, at the Willowdale Nursing Home in New Holstein. Joseph was born in the Town of Brothertown (Calumet County) on February 27, 1916, a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Bloechl) Zitzelberger. He attended public grade school in Kloten. On June 20, 1942, he married the former Adeline Eischen at St. Nicholas Church in Decada. Adeline preceded him in death on July 22, 1995. For many years, Joe was employed in several furniture factories in Sheboygan. He also farmed in the area. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sheboygan. Survivors include a sister, Agnes Schaeffer, Chilton; five brothers and ten sisters-in-law, Leo and Violet Zitzelberger, Chilton; Lewis and Margaret Zitzelberger, Brothertown; Norbert and Mavis Zitzelberger, New Holstein; Lester and Agnes Zitzelberger and Gilbert and Shirley Zitzelberger, Menasha; Viola Zitzelberger, Fond du Lac; Cecilia Zitzelberger; and Libby Zitzelberger, Appleton; and Marian Zitzelberger, Hilbert; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Laurence in 1988; Adolph in 1987; Alex in 1974; and Anton in 2000; a brother-in-law, Paul Schaeffer; and a godson, Michael in 1972. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Joseph on Thursday, April 13, 2000, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Reverend Glenn Powers as celebrant. Burial will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the Ramm-Ziegler-Novak-Rettke Funeral Home, 1535 South 12th Street on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and at the church, 1305 Humboldt Avenue, on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 10 a.m. A memorial fund has been established in Joseph's name.