James Norbert Graziano, 55, of West Bend, was born to eternal life on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. Jim was born on December 13, 1965, in Milwaukee, the son of Mary (nee Schiek) Ries and Peter Graziano. Jim was the youngest of five brothers, and was a loving son, brother, and uncle.  Jim graduated from Whitnall High School in Greenfield in 1984. He worked in several occupations throughout his life, including maintenance, interior painter and as a car detailer.  He currently worked at...

Evelyn M. “Evie” Matthies-Reichert, 92, of Kewaskum, entered eternal life on Monday, April 19, 2021, at Kettle Moraine Gardens Assisted Living in Kewaskum.   Evie was born on March 25, 1929, in Tracy Corners, WI, the daughter of the late Paul and Elda (nee Wiskow) Giese. Evie was united in marriage to Donald Matthies on February 18, 1950. Donald preceded Evie in death on October 15, 1981. Evie married Robert Reichert on October 30, 1977. Robert passed away on October 15,...

John P. Weyer, 82, of Brownsville found peace on Monday, April 19, 2021, at Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac. John was born on May 14, 1938, the youngest child to the late Andrew and Rose (nee Czoschke) Weyer.  He grew up in the village of Lomira and graduated from Lomira High School in 1956.  On October 12, 1968, he was united in marriage to Caroline Valle. Together they raised their three children. John began his working life in masonry and trucking. Together John and...

Mary L. Ries, 84, of Slinger, was born to eternal life on Monday, April 19, 2021. Mary was born on January 5, 1937, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Norbert and Louise (nee Schuh) Schiek. Mary was the oldest of nine siblings, and was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Mary graduated from Mercy High School in Milwaukee and worked several administrative positions throughout her life, retiring as a receptionist for the School Sisters of Saint Francis convent...

Thomas “Tom” R. Reis, 80, of Fence, Wisconsin, found peace and went to his heavenly home on Sunday, April 18, 2021. He was born on February 28, 1941, the only child of the late Hugo and Beatrice (nee Goetz) Reis of Jackson, WI. On July 22, 1961, he was united in marriage to Joan Reis (nee Strupp) at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Slinger. He attended Holy Angels grade school in West Bend and graduated from Slinger High School. Tom was an avid truck driver for many years...

Ellen K. Hembel (nee Kurtz), age 94 years, of Slinger entered the arms of the Lord on April 17, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Ellen was born on February 23, 1927 in Cedarburg to Adam “Art” and Freida Kurtz  (nee Thiermann).  In 1929, she moved with her family to a farm in the Richfield area and attended Town Line School.  While growing up she helped out on the farm, whitewashed barns, and sprayed trees.  Ellen also played piano accordion...

Patricia A. “Pat” Backey (nee Fritsch), age 81 years, of West Bend entered into eternal rest on April 16, 2021 at Kathy Hospice in West Bend. Pat was born on June 19, 1939 in Dorchester to George and Gertrude Fritsch  (nee Koerner).  Pat graduated from Sheboygan High School in 1957.  She worked at Laurel’s Camera for many years.  Pat was a longtime member at Immanuel United Church of Christ and Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in West Bend. Those...

Gerald J. Melka, 83, of West Bend, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Froedtert West Bend Hospital. He was born on December 30, 1937, the son of the late Raymond and Sophie Melka and he married Barbara Perry on May 11, 1963, at St. John's Cathedral in Milwaukee. Those left behind to cherish Gerald’s memory include two sons, Kevin (Patricia) Melka and Steven Melka Sr.; a daughter, Kimberly Melka; a grandson, Steven Melka, Jr.; sister, Barbara (the late Wally) Geddes; nieces...

Kathleen “Kathy” A. Kroeger (nee McCann), 63, of West Bend passed away peacefully in her sleep unexpectedly on Monday, April 12, 2021. She was born on July 12, 1957, to the late Morris “Bud” and Ruth (nee Mueller) McCann in Milwaukee, WI. Kathy worked in retail for 35 years, where she made many friends along the way. Kathy was an example of how all people should live and love.  She thought only of others, and never of herself.  Kathy never arrived at...

Leona A. Schemmel (Gundrum), of West Bend was called home to be with the Lord on April 12, 2021 at Froedtert West Bend Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Leona was born on June 16, 1932 in West Bend to Jacob and Elizabeth Gundrum (Doll).  She was united in marriage on October 29, 1955 to Richard E. Schemmel at Resurrection Catholic Church in Allenton.  Leona graduated from West Bend High School.  In her younger years she was employed at the West Bend Company and Picks...