Ilene Bischoff
January 02, 1929 - November 12, 2020
Obituary
SUN PRAIRIE - Ilene Edna Bischoff passed away on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at Prairie Gardens in Sun Prairie, Wis. Born on Jan. 2, 1929, in Eyota, Minn., to Gustave and Louisa Bartz, Ilene entered a family of six boys and one girl. Following her biological father’s death in 1930, the children were split up. Ilene was adopted by her aunt and uncle (father’s sister) - Alwina and Harry Hanson - and grew up with an adopted sister, Betty, in North Dakota.
Ilene graduated from Devils Lake Central High School, N.D., in 1946. She attended Jamestown College, N.D., and graduated in 1950 with a BS in Science and Physical Education. Ilene taught secondary Phy Ed in Morris, Minn., prior to moving to Madison, Wis., to work as a District Director for the Black Hawk Council of Girl Scouts. She taught at the Oakwood School for Girls in Oregon, Wis., before finishing her educational career as a teacher for the Middleton Cross Plains School District. Ilene retired from teaching in 1989.
Ilene married Kenneth V. Bischoff on April 5, 1958. They spent most of their adult life in Middleton, Wis., and raised three daughters together. She is survived by her daughters, Jeannie Vanderploeg (Jon), Jeri Bischoff (Scott Hermsdorf) and Julianne Budrow (Blake); plus four grandchildren, Alex Vanderploeg, Daniel Vanderploeg, Miranda (Vanderploeg) Beach and Haley Budrow. Ilene was preceded in death by her husband; and both biological and adoptive siblings.
Ilene will be remembered for her love of playing cards with family and friends. Whether it was bridge, cribbage, Uno or anything else, she loved a good card game. Late in life, she looked forward to the camaraderie of friends on a daily basis to gather together while playing cards.
A private family service is planned for Nov. 24, 2020. In lieu of flowers and memorials, please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of Ilene. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608) 831-6761
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Memories
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Kathy Farrell
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Of course I remember Mrs. Bishoff as a physical education teacher at Elm Lawm Elementary and as Jeannie, Jeri, and Julie’s mom when I was growing up in Middleton, but more recently our paths crossed at St. Mary’s Care Center. It was so nice to stop and talk with her daily while my dad was there for most of the month of February 2020. Her room was across the hall, we shared a few memories and smiles. Her positivity and gentle spirit lifted my spirits as my dad was failing. I think she looked forward to my “popping in” and I hope I brought her some joy as well. 💕
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Margit Gundlach
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I’m sending my sympathies to your family as you grieve your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend. She and I were teachers at Elm Lawn. I loved being able to see her in retirement gatherings. Here she is with Jean Shaw & me, Margit Gundlach
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Beverly Green
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Ilene was a very kind and caring lady. I taught with her in the Middleton Cross Plains School District and I never heard her say an unkind word about anyone. She enjoyed the students. Ilene was so proud of her daughters and grandchildren. her eyes would shine when she talked about them. I am pleased that I was fortunate to know this special woman. Beverly Green
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Bob Harty
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I was so sorry to read of your mother's passing. No matter the circumstance, losing a parent is difficult. But as with all pain, it gradually subsides and that sense of loss serves metaphorically as a lasting connection to a lost loved one. May she rest in peace. Bob Harty
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Karen Acker
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Mrs Bischoff was a great PE teacher at Kromery Middle. Those of us who came from St Bernards were not used to organized PE classes--this was new and fun! And she made it more fun with the "Go Chicken Fat Go" exercise routine. She was kind and friendly. Rest In Peace, Mrs Bischoff.
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Patty Droessler
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Dear Julie and Blake and Family, You have our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Patty and Albie Droessler