Grace Elizabeth Reisner (Schroeder)

Grace Elizabeth Reisner (Schroeder), aged 79, died peacefully in her sleep on April 9, 2017. Grace was born September 21, 1937, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Patricia Elizabeth Clauer (Udelhofen) and Raymond Henry Schroeder. She was raised by her mother and step-father, Clyde H. Clauer.

Grace loved life more than most and could have been found happily cleaning her house while singing along with Mario Lanza, or talking to one of her family members over coffee. As a young woman, she excelled at volleyball and roller skating. She was naturally athletic and moved with ease whether she was on the dance floor or skating.

Most of all, nothing meant more to her than her family, whom she loved unconditionally and everyone who knew her became infected with her joy for life. She showed her spirit in laughter and during conversations with her sister Jean or one of her kids whom she looked forward to talking with daily. She always had time for a hug or to provide a piece of inspirational wisdom to her kids when they asked about parenting or relationships. She was our rock and gave us all hope when we needed it.

Her plants and flowers appreciated her gentle touch. Even as a mature woman she could be found playing with her young grand-children just as she did with her own children as a young mother. She loved to talk about going to her Uncle Leonard’s farm when she was little and she would put the baby field mice in her pocket to keep them safe. Although she had many special pets in her life, she left behind Patches, her cat, with whom she shared much of her time brushing and talking too about Patches’ travels. We will have to hold Patches close to us now because she misses her “Mom” too.

From her famous coleslaw to setting up her tree and lights for Christmas she expressed herself in her artistic displays of beauty. In fact, she had a poem appear on The Sound of Poetry collection, entitled “How Blind Can I Be” which further exemplified her sensitive nature and her philosophy of how important it is to notice the most important things in life, which are of course the little things.

Our honor to her life is to love one another and live our own lives to the fullest. She was our angel in life and will now remain so in heaven.

Grace is survived by her youngest sister, Jean Marie Wallace, her step-brother, Gary Clauer, her children separated from her early in their lives, Laura and Mark Merritt, and those that followed, Deborah Lee Reisner, Diana Marie Brown, Dawn Elizabeth Reisner (Russ Kloety), Stephanie Kelly (Mark) Cash, Amy Christine (Rocco) Canadeo, and Kurt William Reisner. 15 grand-children, 9 great-grand-children, many nieces, nephews, her cat Patches, and extended family. She earned friendship and respect from all those she touched in her life.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Patricia Elizabeth “Bessie” (Clyde) Clauer and Raymond H. Schroeder, her brothers, Robert G. (Milly) Schroeder, Vernon L. (Shirley) Schroeder, Frank (Iris) Schroeder, Raymond (Gwen) Schroeder, Jr., step-brother Dennis Clauer, and her sisters, Ruth E. “Sis”(Charlie) Gassman, Alice R. (Kenneth) Droessler, Elaine M. (Donald) Sawvel, and Joan Schroeder (died in childhood).

Grace worshipped God in private and showed her beliefs thru her many acts of goodness towards the world. She had enduring love and hope for the future happiness of her family and found peace with Jesus Christ.

There will be a private gathering for immediate family members at the Schumacher–Kish Funeral Home, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, WI. On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.

A Celebration of her Life will be offered on Wednesday, 4/12/17 for all family and friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the same address. There will be a time for sharing at 6:30 p.m. for those who want to speak.

Thank you to everyone who has sent us their gifts, kind words and prayer during this sad time. Mom is smiling on everyone.