Elizabeth A. Kieckhafer, nee Gessert, of West Bend, died surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 96 years.

She was born on November 4, 1913, in Plymouth to the late August and Elizabeth (nee Kage) Gessert.

As a child, the family moved to West Bend, where her father opened Gessert Meat Market. She attended local schools, graduating from West Bend High School with the Class of 1932.

On November 14, 1936, she was united in marriage to William "Sonny" H. Kieckhafer. Sonny preceded Elizabeth in death on September 17, 1987.

During World War II, she would feed the POWs that worked at Pick Industries, where her husband was plant manager. They also enjoyed spending time at their lake home in northern Wisconsin.

A memory that Elizabeth's family will cherish will be of all the wonderful holiday meals that she loving prepared.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Order of the Eastern Star West Bend Chapter #73 and Young-At-Heart. Additionally, she was actively involved in service work at Cedar Community.

Survivors include two sons, Thomas (Margie) and Richard (Carol); seven grandchildren, David (Kathryn), Susan (Steven) Korinek, Debra (K.C.) Ross, Mark, Michael (Tina), Steven (Kathy) and Linda (Robert) Ashmore; 15 great-grandchildren, Lauren and Joshua Kieckhafer, Nathan and Caitlin Korinek, Savannah and Karalyn Ross, Zachary and Connor Kieckhafer, Jacob, Elena, Ethan, Maya and Mason Kieckhafer, Derek Kieckhafer and Ryan Bender; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Gladys Gessert and Juanita (John) Schweitzer and three brothers, Earl (Julia) Gessert, Harold (Marie) Gessert and Elroy (Phyllis) Gessert.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. David Schoob officiating. Burial will follow in Washington County Memorial Park. The family will greet relatives and friends during a period of visitation at the church only on Wednesday from 12 Noon until 1:45 P.M.

The family has requested memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Cedar Community Foundation.

Elizabeth's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of Cedar Community on Forestview, as well as the Home and Health Care and Hospice for all of the care, support and kindness given to Elizabeth and her family.

The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.

The Sheboygan Press

November 10, 2009