Ethel Stiemke
March 05, 1929 - July 29, 2015
Obituary
Stiemke, Ethel L.
MONONA-Our sweet, loving, and forgiving wife and mother, Ethel L. Stiemke, age 86, of Monona, was welcomed into heaven with God's loving presence on Wednesday, July 29, 2015, at Heritage Senior Living in Monona. She was born on March 5, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wis., the daughter of Irving and Ethel (Schramm) Ernst. Ethel married Wes Stiemke on Aug. 17, 1957, in Milwaukee, Wis. Wes is so grateful that Ethel was with him for almost 58 years. Ethel had an unconditional love for her family; whether it be her immediate family, her church family, or her new heritage caregiver family. Her faith was powerful through her daily prayers for others. She was our personal angel, as she was always caring for others every day, even through her work with the many children at La Follette High School and Winnequah School. Her faith gave her the strength to embrace the simple things in life. She looked forward to her Tuesday lunches and dinners with her special gals, her time she spent with her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Ethel encouraged people to have a smile on their face and truly live life. As mom would say: "just laugh......start like this......Ha...Ha......" Ethel is survived by her husband of almost 58 years, Wes; daughters, Susan (Mark) Quinnell, Sally (Jim) Nachreiner and Sara (Dan) Kerwin; grandchildren, Emily (Brian Tolly) Quinnell and Evan Quinnell, Annie (Kendra Cox) Getschel, Ashley (Kyle Gyle) Van Neck and Ali (Andrew) Rex, and Erin Kerwin and Sam Kerwin; great-grandchildren, Mckinley Rex and Ascher Cox. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her step-father, Alvin Wutke; sister, Beverly Morris; and brother-in-law, Robert Morris. Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3 p.m., on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015, with the Rev. Stephen Marsh presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday. Memorials can be made to Lake Edge Lutheran Church in honor of Ethel. The family wishes to thank the staff at Heartland Hospice and Heritage for their respectful and loving care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Sun Aug 2, 2015 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Lake Edge Lutheran Church (Monona) • 4032 Monona Drive, Monona, WI null
Service
Sun Aug 2, 2015 @ 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Lake Edge Lutheran Church (Monona) • 4032 Monona Drive, Monona, WI null
Photos
No photos of Ethel have been shared yet.
Memories
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Julie Ottum
Other •
The request is to keep comments uplifting and appropriate. I don't know how to better describe my memories of Ethel. I do not ever recall a time she spoke without the grace of acceptance. She always seemed to see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. Making a conscious choice, Ethel put a positive spin on how she interpreted the events around her. And, even though so much of her recent life has been filled with uncertainty, and some would say, a loss of control, she always chose to see the positive. (And, she could be very funny in her droll and astute observations of life!) A wonderful person, whom I will miss. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Chris Dahlk
Other •
She was a wonderful lady and will be missed by lots. Love to you all!
Chris Niesen (Dahlk)
BO
Brian Ottum
Other •
Ethel was a dear friend of my mother's, even way back when I was in elementary school. She worked in my school's lunch room, and I was always worried that she was watching my bad behavior and reporting back to my mom. Turns out, she was way too nice to report anything
Brian Ottum
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Vern Reed
Other •
I was so sorry to read of Ethels passing. Iwell remember her smile &upbeat attitude with the cardiack group & contacts. I know her wonderful faith can sustain the family. Hold unto that and the great memories we all have. Heaven & God have open arms,but we wsill miss her. Vern Reed & Rachelle
s
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Betty Hoyle Rex
Other •
Heaven has gained another angel and im sure she will be watching over you all Hugs and prayers sent to you from Illinois... we love you!
MC
Mary Lou Callin
Other •
My late husband Glen & our family lived across the street from Ethel & Wes & girls in the 60's. Before I got to know Ethel we were each alone when President Kennedy was assassinated as our husbands were deer hunting. When we did become good friends we vowed that neither of us would be alone as we would look after each other & we did. What a special family they were to us. We did move away in 1968 but the fond memories of that time have always been with us. Ethel was special in so many ways & certainly deserves her place in heaven. My blessings to Wes & the girls. Mary Lou Callin