William Michael Aronin MARCO ISLAND, FL (Formerly of Racine) - William Michael Aronin, age 69. Beloved husband of Mary Aronin nee Bedard; loving father of Rob (Dana) Aronin and Brooke (fiancé Alex Ruthenburg) Aronin; proud grandfather of Jackson and Max Aronin and Tyler Jewell; cherished son of Rosalie Aronin nee Rozumoff and the late Sidney Aronin; dear brother of Jeffrey (Cyndy) Aronin; fond uncle of Barry (Nicolette) Aronin and Joshua Aronin.

Jon J. Rutkowski

NECEDAH - Jon J. Rutkowski, age 69, formerly of Racine, passed away peacefully at his home in Necedah, WI on Friday, November 11, 2016 after a very long illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 32 years, the former Murlyn Ziegenhagen. He was also surrounded by his loving family. Jon will be dearly missed by his families and friends. His wishes were for his families not to mourn him, but to celebrate his life and we will, privately. Jon was proud to have served his country in the Marine Corp and received a purple heart during the Vietnam Crisis. Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Anna Rose Rutkowski. He is survived by his wife Murlyn Rutkowski, two sisters Judy Canfield and Jackie Burch, one brother Joseph Rutkowski and many loving nieces and nephews.

Willie Howard Oliver, Jr.

Willie Howard Oliver, Jr was the oldest of six siblings. He was born June 21, 1947 in Racine, Wisconsin to Willie H Oliver, Sr. and Ophelia Gordon Oliver.

He died peacefully in his sleep on December 1, 2015 in his home in North Chesterfield, Virginia.

Willie was educated in the public schools of Racine, Wisconsin. He served in the United States Army as a medic after graduating from high school. Willie graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union University in 1974 and was employed at Dominion Virginia Power as an accountant for 35 years. He retired in 2010.

He wed the former Mildred Winona Jones on April 2, 1977. They were blessed to have three children, Kelvin of North Chesterfield, Virginia, Samuel of Henrico, Virginia and Rachel of Chicago, Illinois.

He was baptized Good Shepherd Baptist Church in 1983 and has maintained his membership. He became a member of the Trustee Ministry in 1986 where he served as chairman for numerous terms. He also served on the Male Usher Board for many years and as a Director of the Community Development Resources Corporation. Additionally, he was a Church School teacher and served on the Executive Committee for the Boy Scouts. Willie also served as president for the Trust the Ministry of Richmond and Vicinity.

Willie was an active member of the Virginia Union University Alumni Association and Virginia Union Boosters Association. He assisted many athletes with mentoring and tutoring.

Willie was an avid hunter. He was a member of the Ditchley Hunt Club (DHC) and was known as Badger to his fellow hunt mates. Willie enjoyed taking his grandson Kameron hunting and was teaching his grandson Tariq the skills of bow hunting. He instilled in them hunting safely and responsibility. He also enjoyed cooking for his granddaughter Kelcey.

Willie is known for giving and encouraging word especially to young folks. He was a great husband, a great dad and a great friend to many.

Willie was preceded in death by his father, Willie H Oliver, Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Mildred Jones Oliver; two sons, Kelvin and his wife, Nicole, Samuel and his wife Linette, and a daughter Rachel; nine grandchildren, Kelcey, Kameron, Marquia, Laylah, Tariq, Ja`Onna, Ta` Ron, Kaylin and Leah; his mother, Ophelia Oliver; two brothers, Ronnie Oliver and Bruce Oliver and his wife GiGi; three sisters Sherby Oliver, Faye Oliver, Lynn Oliver, father and mother-in-law Nathaniel and Mavis Jones; three brothers in law, Wayne and his wife LaVerne, Eric and his wife Cathyee, Otis and his wife Machel; four sisters in law, Lillian Carter, Beverly Thomas and her husband Raymond, Geraldine Mickens and Dorothea McKinney and her husband, John; two aunts, Rachel Harris and Delphine Paige; and a host of nieces and nephews, one devoted Jessica Nickens, cousins and other relatives and friends.

James A. “Jim” Wilkinson

YORKVILLE - James A. “Jim” Wilkinson, age 65, of Yorkville, passed away at his home on Friday, June 22, 2012. Jim was born on March 16, 1947 in Racine, to the late Albert and Helen (nee Christopherson) Wilkinson. He spent his early life in Racine and was a graduate of Horlick High School and Gateway Technical College. Jim proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. On December 13, 1969 in Racine, Jim was united in marriage to Cathleen J. Fewless. Following marriage they resided in Racine and later made their home in Yorkville. Jim worked as a machinist for Twin Disc. He was a member of Yorkville United Methodist Church and the Golf Goons. Jim was quick to smile and admired by all for his strength, wisdom and ability to make you laugh. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. Jim enjoyed camping, golfing, riding his Goldwing and attending family gatherings. He especially loved to be with his 9 grandchildren. Jim did his best to live with grace and dignity through the trials of the past 15 years. Survivors include his loving wife, Cathleen, their daughters; Amy (Gary) Blair of Winter, Holly (Jamie) Anderson of Yorkville and Tammy (Shane) Willkomm of West Bend, grandchildren; Tandra, Shannon, Michelle, Libby, CJ, Clint, Luke, Albert and Mason, and by siblings; Sally (Elfers) Marzahl, Ruth Mitchell, David (Brenda), Ralph (Kathy) and Susie (George) Benedict. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Jacqueline May Kollmann

KENOSHA - Jacqueline May Kollmann, 64, passed away Friday May 11, 2012 at her residence after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on May 20th 1947 in Madison WI, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lydia (Zimdars) Amann of Racine. She was educated in Racine schools and was a graduate of Wm. Horlick H. S. She was an apprentice and graduate of the school of cosmetology at Gateway Technical College in Racine. On January 6th 1965 she married Keith W. Kollmann, a Kenosha resident, at Bethania Lutheran Church in Racine, WI. They were happily married for over 47 years. Jackie was employed at various salons in the Kenosha area as a cosmetologist for over 45 years. She started at the age of 15 as a "shampoo girl" and eventually became a salon owner of The French Doll Beauty Salon in Kenosha. Before retiring, she was employed in Kenosha as a salon manager for Haircrafters. Jackie also worked at 1st National Bank, So Fro Fabrics, and AMCCU of Kenosha. Besides being an excellent seamstress, an ultimate Green Bay Packers fan, and an avid crafter; she was also a fantastic cook and was said to make the best corned beef in town! Jackie took great pride in her well kept & decorated home and truly enjoyed spending time with friends and family there. She also had a great love for animals and was involved in the Great Lakes Irish Setter Rescue. She is survived by her two rescue dogs; Gunner and Lance; her loving husband Keith; son Kevin and his partner Merle Malterer, both of Kenosha; three sisters Lydia (Russell) Stephan of Racine; Patricia Amann of Racine; Constance (Dennis) Mordja of Racine; her best friend Betty O'Connor of Kenosha as well as many other nieces, nephews, and other family/friends that loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter in infancy, Wendy Lee; and one brother, John Amann of Racine.

RACINE - Linda M (nee: Bethards) Soltes, born November 29, 1947, to Harold and Leone (nee: Meyer) Bethards. She passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2011, from complications related to a spinal cord injury she sustained in 2010. Survived by son, Mark (Michele) Clausen and grandchildren, Jacob and Carly Clausen of Winter Haven, Fla.; best friends, Ernie and Kathy Davis, Kathy DeMark; and a sister, Karen Kittler, all of Racine. Further survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. A lifelong resident of Racine, Linda had many friends too numerous to mention. She was preceded in death by her parents; and step-father, Ralph Kittler; brothers, David Bethards and Donald Bethards.

Eugene 'Gene' Thompson

RACINE - Mr. Eugene 'Gene' Thompson, 64, passed away at WFH - All Saints on Sunday, May 29, 2011. A lifelong resident of Racine, he was born on December 16, 1946, the son of Carl and Margaret (nee: Becher) Thompson. On July 26, 1969, he married the former Sandra Hanson. He graduated from Horlick High School in 1965. After high school, Gene worked for Young Radiator. In 1973, he moved to Twin Disc and worked as a Machinist. On October 21, 1997, he received a lifesaving liver donation from Mark Marthaler and his family. He was also blessed to receive a kidney donation from his loving daughter, Jeanie, in January of 2004. His health issues required his retirement from Twin Disc in 2003. Gene had many interests and passions. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking, baking, and pen making. He was happiest, however, when he was in the presence of his family, especially when he was fishing with his son and grandchildren on Memorial Day weekends and hunting in October with his family. In addition to his wife Sandy, he is survived by his daughter, Jeanie Weber; son, Brian (fiancée, Jessica Bolman) Thompson; and two of the greatest grandsons, Tate and Spencer Weber, all of Racine. He is further survived by his brother, Alvin (Helen) Thompson; his sister, Darlene Thompson, both of Racine; brother-in-law, Steve (Paulette) Hanson of Kenosha; sister-in-law, Linda (Gary) Thompson of Kentucky; as well as nieces, nephews, dear relatives, and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; and sister- in-law, Nancy Busch. Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, June 3, 2011, at 7 p.m. for the Celebration of Gene's Life with Pastor Todd Malkasian officiating. There will be a visitation in the funeral home on Friday from 5 until 7 p.m. His interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park on Saturday. Those wishing to attend may meet at the cemetery entrance at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family would be appreciated for a memorial to be designated at a later date. Many thanks to family and friends for the many thoughts and prayers expressed throughout Gene's illness. We also would like to thank the medical staff that provided him with awesome care, including Dr. Dhingra; the ICU team; his nurses, JoEllen and Jennifer at Wheaton Franciscan; and Dr. Jose Franco at Froedtert Hospital, for his support before, during, and after the transplant.

Ronald H. Knutson

RACINE - Ronald H. Knutson, 64, passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at his residence. Ronald was born in Racine, December 27, 1946, son of the late Harvey and Elaine (nee: Shouts) Knutson. Ron was a graduate of William Horlick High School 'Class of 1965'. During the Vietnam War he proudly served with the United States Marine Corps. He was employed by Grove Gear for the past fourteen years. Ron enjoyed photography, reading, and his fishing excursions up north. He will be dearly missed. Survivors include his son, Eric Knutson of Racine; his grandson, Anthony; brother, Steven (Renee) Knutson of Sturtevant; nephew, Jonathan Knutson of Sturtevant; niece, Chrystal (Chad) Hensiak of Burlington; great-niece and nephews, Dakota, Dylan, Draven, and Drake; other relatives and many dear friends.

Donald M. Gustavson

RACINE - Donald M. Gustavson, 63, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. Don was born in Racine on March 14, 1947, to Melvin J. and Carol M. (nee: Clausen) Gustavson. On June 20, 1975, he married Melody Manchester at Evangelical United Methodist. Don served in the United States Army Military Police. He was an active member of Evangelical United Methodist Church. Don worked in maintenance at Gordon Machine, Western Publishing, and J.I. Case. He loved spending time with his family and was always willing to lend a hand. Don enjoyed going on fishing trips, crossword puzzles, and going to rummage sales. He collected record players and albums. Don was also an animal lover. He is survived by his wife, Melody Gustavson; daughter, Tina (Bill) Sacket; grandchildren, Kara, Brooks, Vincent, and Jack Sacket; three great-grandchildren; mother, Carol Gustavson; sister, Gail (Gary) Isaacson; and brother, Kip (Patty) Gustavson. Don is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Mel; and sisters, Sue Johnston and Maryli Ann Gustavson.

Dean A. Johnson

RACINE - Dean A. Johnson, 62, passed away at his home on Monday, February 15, 2010. Dean was born in Racine on April 3, 1947, to Orville LeRoy and Lois Genavieve (nee: Larrabee) Johnson. He graduated high school in 1965, after which he served in the United States Army from 1966 until 1972. On August 26, 1972, he was married to the former Carol Stuhr. Dean was employed by Twin Disc for over 44 years. He enjoyed deer hunting and bowling and was a member of the Root River Restoration Club. He liked spending time at the flea markets collecting antique cars, toys, and trains. His greatest joy was his family and his grandchildren especially brightened up his world. Dean is survived by his wife, Carol Johnson; children, Angela Johnson and Jeremy (Cheryl) Johnson; grandchildren, Ava May and Jaxon Allen-Troy; his mother, Lois Johnson; sister, Marcine 'Susie' (Richard) Sutherland; brother, Stanley (Debbie) Johnson; nephew, Josh Johnson; and niece, Courtney Johnson. Dean is also survived by other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father.

Susan Carol Wachs

RACINE - Susan Carol Wachs, 62, died Wednesday evening, February 18, 2009, in Wheaton Franciscan - All Saints Medical Center after a long illness. She was born in Racine August 2, 1946, the daughter of Harry and Leanna (nee: Beth) Wachs. Sue was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse with St. Luke's Hospital in Racine, Lincoln Lutheran, along with private home care over the years. Survivors include her daughter, Nicole Wachs of Racine; her grandchildren, Dominique Ellis, Deontre Wachs, Breanna Wachs, and LaShaundra Gates, all of Racine; great- grandchildren, Teraysha, Malachi, Isaiah, and Jeremiah Jackson of Racine; and her cousin, Christine. Sue is further survived by other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and her aunt, Pearl.

Mary E. Marsch-Lindstrom

CALEDONIA - Mary E. (nee: Marsch) Marsch-Lindstrom, 62, passed away Friday, October 10, 2008. Daughter of Lawrence and Grace (nee: Wirkus) Marsch. Sister of Peggy Marsch, Susan (Ken) Schroeder, Paul (Joanne) Marsch, Terri (Bob) Prochaska, Larry (Sally) Marsch, Joanne (John) Clazmer, Jerry Marsch, Stephen (Pattie) Marsch, Chris (Charles) Albert, Alan (Rachel) Marsch, the late Johnnie Marsch, and Julie (Ken) Small. Also survived by other family and friends.

Kathleen L. Books

PHOENIX, ARIZ. - Kathleen L. (nee: Conner) Books, 60, passed away Friday, January 4, 2008, at Prescott Valley, Ariz. She was born in Racine, July 29, 1947, daughter of Carl and Marion (nee: Schuette) Conner. Kathleen graduated from Wm Horlick High School "Class of 1965". Surviving are her mother, Marion Conner Nass of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; a brother, Myron (Kristine) Nass of Lexington, Neb.; a niece, Alex and nephew, Nate; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Carl Conner and stepfather, Myron Nass.

Gregory Drasen Lemke

UNION GROVE - Gregory Drasen Lemke, 60, passed away Monday, January 7, 2008, at his home. He was born April 29, 1947, in Racine, to Wallace and Marguerite (nee: Drasen) Lemke. He spent his early life in Racine. On June 19, 1971, he married Suzanne Jean Sittig in Racine. Following marriage, they made their home in Racine, then Union Grove. Greg received a Degree in Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He served in the United States Navy from 1968 until 1970 aboard the USS Arneb. Greg was a Hydraulic Engineer for Robert Bosch Company of Racine. He was a skilled Engineer, who held five hydraulic patents. He was an avid clockmaker and woodworker. Survivors include his wife, Suzanne J. Lemke of Union Grove; daughter, Monika Ann Lemke of Denver, Colo.; and sister, Delores Legois of Racine. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Richard, Wayne, and Roland Lemke.

Gerald L. 'JP' Plonsky

RACINE - Gerald L. 'JP' Plonsky, 60, passed away Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee. He was born in Racine on June 8, 1947, son of the late Arthur and Alice Plonsky. Jerry owned and operated Clary's Gas Station for many years. He was an active member of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church. Survivors include his wife, Linda; step-sons, Zachary Amann, Armin Amann, all of Racine; children, Jennifer (Jim) Beighton, Todd Hayes, Lisa Plonsky, Christy Plonsky; other relatives and many dear friends.

Dennis Lee Riblett

RACINE – Dennis Lee Riblett, 60, passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 14, 2007. Dennis was born in Racine on December 27, 1946, to Doyn and Adelia (nee: Ernst) Riblett. Dennis served in the U.S. Army from 1966 until 1969. He trained as a Radio Relay and Carrier Operator, achieving the rank of SP-4. Dennis served a tour of duty in Vietnam, earning several Campaign Medals. He was employed by Piggly Wiggly until his retirement. Survivors include his aunts, Ella Kramer, Dorothy Sparrow and Diane Ernst; and cousins, Carol (Nick) Skover, Kathleen (Guillermo) Arguello, Carl (Mary) Kramer, Georgia (Richard) Horner, Richard (Dee) Sparrow, Janet (William) Langenfeld, Linda (Thomas) Wirtz, Karen Casey, Edward (Sue) Ernst, Terry Ernst and Laurie Ernst. Dennis is also survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Age 46. Peacefully went home to be with his heavenly father on Sunday December 5, 1993, at his residence. Mr. Groth was born in Racine on January 21, 1947, and has been a lifelong resident. He married the former Nancie Kuiper in Racine, January 11, 1969, and they were [married for 25 loving years. Mr. ,Groth was employed by Massey (Ferguson for 25 years as the North American Sales and Marketing Manager. He was a lifelong member of Christian Reformed Church, Assistant Leader of Men's Life Bible Study, served on the Christian School Board. He was a ^graduate of Calvin College with a 'Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Survivors include his loving wife, Nancie; best friend and son, Kevin, at home; beloved daughter and son-in-law, Lori (David) Horonzy of Racine; and cherished granddaughter, Shelby; other loving family members, two brothers and a sister-in-law, Frederick and Lillian Groth of Wolf Lake, Minn., and Robert Groth of Racine; a sister, Karen Groth of Racine; also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Albertha (nee: Banga) Groth.