Clarence Bertelsen

Clarence Bertelsen, 97, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints on Friday, November 21, 2008. He was born in Racine on August 3, 1911, the son of Peter and Knudine (nee: Jensen) Bertelsen.

Clarence was united in marriage to Dagney Jacobsen on October 24, 1936. He was a machinist at Massey Harris, retiring after many years of service. After his retirement Clarence became a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, continuing there until 2001, at which time he was 90 years old..

Clarence is survived by two sons; Dean (Sue) Bertelsen of Yorkville and Warren Bertelsen of Racine; and a daughter, Karen (Vern) Kolze of Arizona. He is further survived by 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Clarence was preceded in death by, his wife, Dagney on January 22, 1992.

Funeral services will be held at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio St., on Monday, November 24, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. James Barsch officiating. Entombment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be a visitation at the church on Monday before services from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lutheran Church of the Resurrection have been suggested by the family.

A special thank you to the Cardiac Care Unit doctors, nurses and staff for the fine care Clarence received.

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

Frank L. Riley

Frank L. Riley, age 96, passed away after a short illness on Thursday, November 20, 2008, at the Hospice House, Pleasant Prairie, WI. Frank was born in Cumberland, WI, on September 21, 1912, son of the late Thomas F. and Mabel (Nee: Tewksbury) Riley.

On September 28, 1940, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church he was united in marriage to Mary Carney who preceded him in death, February 2, 1996. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church until its closing and then became a member of St. Richard Catholic Church. Frank owned and operated Quality T.V. and Antenna for many years. Frank enjoyed traveling, coffee clutching with his friends, but more than anything he treasured time spent with his family.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen (Robert G.) Riegelman of Racine; his grandchildren, Susan (D. Michael) Wendling, Robert J. (Kathy) Riegelman, all of Racine, Kristina Knesting of Seattle, WA; his four great-grandchildren, Matthew and Benjamin Wendling, Timothy and Samuel Riegelman; brother, Percy Riley of Tucson, AZ; niece and nephew, and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his daughter, Michleen “Mickey” Knesting on September 26, 2008; and by his brothers, Willis Riley and Eugene “Sam” Riley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Ave., on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ron Gramza officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to St. Richard Catholic Church or to St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested.

He was a wonderful father and will be deeply missed.

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

Kaiser Kasabian

Kaiser Kasabian, age 80, passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at his residence. Kaiser was born in Racine on October 18, 1928, son of the late Hyrabed and Elisa (Nee: Arakian) Kasabian and was a lifelong Racine resident.

Kaiser was a graduate of William Horlick High School “Class of 1947.” On June 10, 1952, at Zion Lutheran Church, he was united in marriage to Ardys L. Olson. During the Korean War he served in the United States Navy. He was employed by Precise Products and then by J.I. Case Company for thirty-two years, retiring in 1991. Kaiser was a member of the J.I. Case “20 Year Club,” and a lifetime member of the Racine Yacht Club. He loved sailing and actively sailed his star boat in the Wednesday night fleet races. Above all he treasured time spent with his family and will always be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his wife, Ardys; his four children, Curtis (Marcy) Kasabian, Susan Kasabian, all of Racine, Kari Lee (Daniel) Rasmussen of Nisula, MI, and Ben (Jackie) Kasabian of Racine; his ten grandchildren, Kim (Eric) Haigh, Dan (Corey) Kasabian, Season (Jason) Hofner, Ty (Julie) Ewing, Kelly (Keith) Danielski, Brian Sullivan, Michael Rasmussen, Haley (Greg) Tarnowski, Ben Kasabian Jr. and Nathan Kasabian; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Wallace E. Olson and William Hawkins, both of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his grandson, Timothy Sullivan; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ben and Evelyn Olson; brother, Jack Kasabian; and sister, Lucy Hawkins; and also by other relatives and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, November 24, 2008, at 11 a.m. Interment with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Memorials to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

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

Robert J. Walker

Robert J. Walker, 42, passed away at his home on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008. He was born in Racine on Sept. 12, 1966, to Francis J. and Janet M. (nee: LeDuc) Walker. He lived most of his life in Racine. He served in the United States Marine Corp. He was a graduate of Tremper High School in Kenosha.

He is survived by his mother, Janet Walker; father, F.J. (Gail) Walker of Kenosha; one brother, Jim Walker of Kenosha; two sisters, Kathy (Ray) Lashley and Patricia Gall; two stepbrothers, Scott Seidl and Paul LeFebvre; one nephew, Clint Lashley; one niece, Meghan Lashley; great-nephew, great-niece, other relatives, friends and his beloved Golden Lab, Angel.

Funeral services will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home, 1212 Lathrop Ave., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. with Fr. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Saturday from noon until the time of service.

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

George C. Taylor

George C. Taylor, 66, was called Home by his Lord and Savior, on Wednesday, November 19, 2008. He was born in Ridgely, TN, on April 11, 1942, the son of the late George and Vinnie (nee: Pete) Taylor.

Mr. Taylor had been employed by S.C. Johnson and Son until his retirement. He loved his music and had his own band, Romeo and the Get-Downs. He attended Greater Grace Temple.

Surviving is his wife Mildred (nee: White) Taylor; his children, Sharon ( fiancé, Vincent Cannon) White and Charles Taylor both of Racine, and Tammy (Keith) Mack of Minneapolis, MN; three grandchildren, Tiffany Mack, KeAndre Mack and Catrina Bell; sister Lilly Foots of Racine; brothers Ozell Taylor of Racine, Willie Taylor of Decatur, IL, and Bud Taylor of West Bend. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends further survive him. In addition to his parents, his grandson Michael Bizzel, sisters Mattie Lou Bell, Genevieve McGrown and Malene Waldrop, and brothers John D. Taylor and Tommy Lee Taylor preceded him in death.

His Homegoing Service will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, November 25, at 1 p.m. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.

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

Thomas L. Langenfeld, Jr.

Thomas L. Langenfeld, Jr., 58, passed away unexpectedly at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, as a result of a tragic incident.

Tom was born in Racine on October 16, 1950, to Thomas L. and Alice M. (nee, VanHeirden) Langenfeld, Sr. He grew up on the north side of town and chummed with his friends from St. Rita's. At age 16, he lost his good buddy Arno Brauner, whom he always missed. During high school, he realized his talent for auto body repair while practicing on his father's farming equipment and vehicles. During a stay in California, he enhanced his profession and later established himself back in Racine under Tom's Auto Body. Years later, after building his family a home above his shop, he changed directions and started Tom's Tow 'N' Go. Those who knew him well, know he never lost his love for auto body repair, but his work lives on. Tom was full of aspirations and kindness for those truly in need.

Tom is survived by his endearing wife, Sandra (nee, Preston) Langenfeld; treasured children, John (Jennifer), Shelley (Steve) Mayer, Kelly McClure, and Jason (Becky) McClure; electrifying and charismatic grandchildren, Meggan (Gene), Ryan (Jacob), Alex, Jasmine, Danielle, William, and Wyatt; precious great-grandchildren, Olivia, and Leander; and spirited sisters, Annie (Michael) Cunningham, Connie Czarnecki, and Sharon (Ed) Langenfeld. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, especially his Best Friend, Tony. He was preceded in death by his father, the revered, Thomas L. Langenfeld, Sr. and his mother, Alice M. Langenfeld.

We'll miss you dearly, Mountain Man.

A memorial visitation for Tom will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, November 23, 2008, from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family will be appreciated.

Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory
3915 Douglas Ave., Racine (262) 639-8000

Valeria McWhorter

Valeria “Valerie” McWhorter, 66, passed away at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee on Wednesday, November 19, 2008, after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage last Saturday.

Valerie was born in Evanston, IL, on January 4, 1942, to the late William “Daddy Bill” Eden and Betty Jane (nee: Wilson) Gibson. Valeria graduated from Mary Bradford High School in Kenosha. She was united in marriage to Jeff B. McWhorter in 1959. To this union their five cherished children were born.

Valerie had been employed by In-Sink-Erator for 7 years. Following, she worked for SC Johnson Wax for over 18 years. She was raised in the Catholic faith. Later, she received Christ as her personal Savior, confessing Rev. Fleming as her Pastor. Valeria loved spending quality time with her family. During her earlier years, she enjoyed cooking, which everybody loved; and socializing with friends.

Surviving are her daughters, Lisa McWhorter and Tara (Godfrey) Campbell; sons, Daniel, Jeff and Steven (Holly) McWhorter; 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; one sister, Gail (nee; Eden) Knazze; foster Mother, Mary Davis; special friend, Alfonso Fikes; and a host of special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to her parents, Valerie was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Damia Greer; foster Father, Rev. Nathaniel Davis; beloved aunt, Mary Virginia Brooks; uncles, Fred and Frank Wilson; brother; Marcus (Finesse) Eden; nephews; Jimmy “Bunk” and Ricky McWhorter; Dana and Dean Bostick.

Homegoing services will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Dominion Church of God M.P.G.T, 402 – 9th St., with Rev. Howard Fleming officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 5-7 p.m. and in the church on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m.

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