James N. Graziano

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 Fiduciary Real Estate Development in Grafton. Jim’s main hobby and passion was fishing.  Jim loved the spring and always looked forward to the start of fishing season. He loved being out on his boat on any lake whether or not the fish were biting.  Jim also looked forward to his annual camping trips in Northern Wisconsin each summer.

Those Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory include his father Peter Graziano and step mother Suzanne, his four brothers, Mike (Becky) Graziano of Thiensville, Mark (Patricia) Graziano of Greenfield, Chris (Jeanmarie) Graziano of Slinger, and Robert (Traci) Graziano of Muskego; 13 nieces and nephews, Mike (Tiffany), Dave (Sara), Matt (Katie), Daniel (Katie), Brian (Stephanie), Steven, Scott (Courtney), Abraham (Jessica), Jack, Ayla (Kevin) Murphy, Maria, Nicole, and Alexander; five great-nephews and nieces, Cody, Joanna, Haddie, Frank, and Peter, and three nieces or nephews on the way; uncles and aunts, Jack  and Jane Schiek, Joseph and Geri Schiek, James and Peggy Schiek, Jerry Schiek, Elaine Schiek and  Kathie and Harvey Ramthun as well as many, many cousins and other relatives and friends.

Jim and his mother were very close and sadly, but beautifully, Jim died just two days after his mother Mary.  Jim said he was looking forward to being the first one to see his mother in heaven. Jim was also preceded in death by his uncles, Jeff, Norbert (Josephine) Schiek, and Greg Schiek; his cousin, Jennifer Ramthun; and his dear stepfather Ronald Ries.

Jim’s family is grateful for the compassionate and conscientious care he received at Froedtert Hospital in West Bend and then at the Crossroads Care Center in Mayville. We appreciate the many caring people who went above and beyond to help Jim with his agonizing battle with cancer.

MASS OF JOINT CHRISTIAN BURIAL: A mass for James and his mother Mary will be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 200 E. Washington Street, in Slinger. Father Richard Stoffel will officiate and private burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee.

Mary L. Ries

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 in Milwaukee in 2015. Mary’s hobbies included crocheting, knitting, reading and solving crossword puzzles. Mary was dedicated to her Catholic Christian faith. She prayed the rosary daily and exhibited heartfelt pride when her children or grandchildren attended mass with her.   As many health care workers that cared for Mary in recent months would attest to, Mary loved to brag about her five sons, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Her true joy in life was being a mother and grandmother, and she was often heard saying “I was always sad at the end of summer when the kids went back to school!” Her days and weeks were brightened by every visit from her children and grandchildren, just as all those that knew Mary were brightened by her presence. 

Those Mary leaves behind to cherish her memory include five sons, Mike (Becky) Graziano of Thiensville, Mark (Patricia) Graziano of Greenfield, Chris (Jeanmarie) Graziano of Slinger, Robert (Traci) Graziano of Muskego, Jim Graziano of West Bend; 13 grandchildren, Mike (Tiffany), Dave (Sara), Matt (Katie), Daniel (Katie), Brian (Stephanie), Steven, Scott (Courtney), Abraham (Jessica), Jack, Ayla (Kevin) Murphy, Maria, Nicole, and Alexander; two step-grandchildren Kristin and Tyler, five great-grandchildren, Cody, Joanna, Haddie, Frank, and Peter, two step- great-grandchildren Madilynn and Kolin, three great-grandchildren on the way; four brothers, Jack (Jane) Schiek, Joseph (Geri) Schiek, James (Peggy) Schiek, and Jerry Schiek; her sister, Kathie (Harvey) Ramthun; her sister-in-law, Elaine Schiek; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Ries; her brothers, Jeff, Norbert (Josephine) Schiek, and Greg Schiek; a niece, Jennifer Ramthun; her daughter-in-law Renee, and a dear friend, John Mostenan.

Sadly, yet mercifully, Mary’s youngest son, James, died of cancer just two days after her death.  We pray that they are reunited in heaven and praying for us as we mourn their deaths.

MASS OF JOINT CHRISTIAN BURIAL: A mass for Mary and her son James will be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 200 E. Washington Street, in Slinger. Father Richard Stoffel will officiate and private burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee.

The Myrhum – Patten Funeral and Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jim and Mary’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.

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