Henry Clay Lyons

M, b. 27 November 1860, d. 11 June 1945
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageHenry Clay Lyons married Jennie L. Matlock.
Birth27 November 1860Henry Clay Lyons was born on 27 November 1860 at Kentucky.
Death11 June 1945He died on 11 June 1945 at Illinois at age 84.

Child of Henry Clay Lyons and Jennie L. Matlock

Jennie L. Matlock

F, b. 24 March 1870, d. 17 July 1938
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Lyons.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageJennie L. Matlock married Henry Clay Lyons.
Birth24 March 1870Jennie L. Matlock was born on 24 March 1870 at Kentucky.
Death17 July 1938She died on 17 July 1938 at Illinois at age 68.

Child of Jennie L. Matlock and Henry Clay Lyons

August Joseph Brant

M, b. 4 March 1889, d. 15 March 1975
Father*Joseph Brandt b. Jan 1847, d. 30 Dec 1932
Mother*Dora Haas b. Aug 1858, d. 1933
Gus Brant 1925
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationAugust Joseph Brant was also known as Gus.
Name VariationAugust Joseph Brant was also known as Brandt.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth4 March 1889August Joseph Brant was born on 4 March 1889 at Grant, Wisconsin.
He was the son of Joseph Brandt and Dora Haas.
Marriagecirca 1919August Joseph Brant married Elizabeth A. Stohlmeyer, daughter of Henry F. Stohlmeyer and Elisabeth M. Pluemer, circa 1919.
Death15 March 1975August Joseph Brant died on 15 March 1975 at Wisconsin at age 86.
Burialafter 15 March 1975He was buried after 15 March 1975 at Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery, Kieler, Grant, Wisconsin.
Census DateLocationDescription
1 June 1900Jamestown, Grant, WisconsinAugust Joseph Brant was listed as a son in Joseph Brandt's household on the 1900 Census at Jamestown, Grant, Wisconsin.1
  • In September 1925 at Kieler, Grant, Wisconsin, Joseph and Dora (Haas) Brant celebrate 50th wedding anniversary.

Children of August Joseph Brant and Elizabeth A. Stohlmeyer

Citations

  1. [S245] U.S. Federal Census 1900 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1900; Census Place: Jamestown, Grant, Wisconsin; Roll: 1790; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 0037; FHL microfilm: 1241790.

Laura Mary Brant

F, b. 5 October 1895, d. 19 December 1987
Father*Joseph Brandt b. Jan 1847, d. 30 Dec 1932
Mother*Dora Haas b. Aug 1858, d. 1933
Laura (Brant) Stohlmeyer 1925
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationLaura Mary Brant was also known as Loretta.
Name VariationLaura Mary Brant was also known as Brandt.
Married Namecirca 1915As of circa 1915,her married name was Stohlmeyer.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth5 October 1895Laura Mary Brant was born on 5 October 1895 at Kieler, Grant, Wisconsin, also reported as Oct 1896.
She was the daughter of Joseph Brandt and Dora Haas.
Marriagecirca 1915Laura Mary Brant married Joseph John Stohlmeyer, son of Henry F. Stohlmeyer and Elisabeth M. Pluemer, circa 1915.
Death19 December 1987Laura Mary Brant died on 19 December 1987 at age 92.
Census DateLocationDescription
1 June 1900Jamestown, Grant, WisconsinLaura Mary Brant was listed as a daughter in Joseph Brandt's household on the 1900 Census at Jamestown, Grant, Wisconsin.1
  • In November 1915 at Kieler, Grant, Wisconsin, Mrs Joe Stohlmeyer (Laura Brandt) visited with her parents Joseph and Dora (Haas) Brandt.
    Dubuque Times Journal November 7, 1915 - Mrs Joe Stohlmeyer (Laura Brandt) visited with her parents Joseph and Dora (Haas) Brandt
  • In September 1925 at Kieler, Grant, Wisconsin, Joseph and Dora (Haas) Brant celebrate 50th wedding anniversary.

Citations

  1. [S245] U.S. Federal Census 1900 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1900; Census Place: Jamestown, Grant, Wisconsin; Roll: 1790; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 0037; FHL microfilm: 1241790.

Robert Bruce Renwick

M, b. 6 October 1845, d. 18 January 1922
Life EventDateDescription
Birth6 October 1845Robert Bruce Renwick was born on 6 October 1845 at Illinois.
Marriagecirca 1872He married Alzina Malvina Cornelius circa 1872.
Death18 January 1922Robert Bruce Renwick died on 18 January 1922 at Stephenson, Illinois, at age 76.
Census DateLocationDescription
7 June 1900Warren, Jo Daviess, IllinoisRobert Bruce Renwick was listed as the head of a family on the 1900 Census at Warren, Jo Daviess, Illinois.1

Children of Robert Bruce Renwick and Alzina Malvina Cornelius

Citations

  1. [S245] U.S. Federal Census 1900 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1900; Census Place: Warren, Jo Daviess, Illinois; Roll: T623_ 310; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 45.

Alzina Malvina Cornelius

F, b. September 1855
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Namecirca 1872As of circa 1872,her married name was Renwick.
Life EventDateDescription
BirthSeptember 1855Alzina Malvina Cornelius was born in September 1855 at Illinois.
Marriagecirca 1872She married Robert Bruce Renwick circa 1872.
Census DateLocationDescription
7 June 1900Warren, Jo Daviess, IllinoisAlzina Malvina Cornelius was listed as wife in Robert Bruce Renwick's household on the 1900 Census at Warren, Jo Daviess, Illinois.1
  • Alzina Malvina Cornelius had 3 with 3 living in 1900 children.

Children of Alzina Malvina Cornelius and Robert Bruce Renwick

Citations

  1. [S245] U.S. Federal Census 1900 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1900; Census Place: Warren, Jo Daviess, Illinois; Roll: T623_ 310; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 45.

Bessie L. Renwick

F, b. June 1887
Father*Robert Bruce Renwick b. 6 Oct 1845, d. 18 Jan 1922
Mother*Alzina Malvina Cornelius b. Sep 1855
Life EventDateDescription
BirthJune 1887Bessie L. Renwick was born in June 1887 at Illinois.
She was the daughter of Robert Bruce Renwick and Alzina Malvina Cornelius.
Census DateLocationDescription
7 June 1900Warren, Jo Daviess, IllinoisBessie L. Renwick was listed as a daughter in Robert Bruce Renwick's household on the 1900 Census at Warren, Jo Daviess, Illinois.1

Citations

  1. [S245] U.S. Federal Census 1900 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1900; Census Place: Warren, Jo Daviess, Illinois; Roll: T623_ 310; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 45.

Henrietta Renwick

F, b. October 1891
Father*Robert Bruce Renwick b. 6 Oct 1845, d. 18 Jan 1922
Mother*Alzina Malvina Cornelius b. Sep 1855
Life EventDateDescription
BirthOctober 1891Henrietta Renwick was born in October 1891 at Illinois.
She was the daughter of Robert Bruce Renwick and Alzina Malvina Cornelius.
Census DateLocationDescription
7 June 1900Warren, Jo Daviess, IllinoisHenrietta Renwick was listed as a daughter in Robert Bruce Renwick's household on the 1900 Census at Warren, Jo Daviess, Illinois.1

Citations

  1. [S245] U.S. Federal Census 1900 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1900; Census Place: Warren, Jo Daviess, Illinois; Roll: T623_ 310; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 45.

Mary Jane Smith

F, b. 1 July 1919, d. 9 March 1989
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name1 July 1937As of 1 July 1937,her married name was Heer.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1 July 1919Mary Jane Smith was born on 1 July 1919.
Marriage1 July 1937She married Robert Renwick Heer, son of Harry LeRoy Heer and Myrtle L. Renwick, on 1 July 1937.
Death9 March 1989Mary Jane Smith died on 9 March 1989 at Minnesota at age 69.

Charlotte L. Horner

F, b. 25 August 1918, d. 1 January 1994
Charts
Matthew McClain Descendants Chart
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name14 August 1940As of 14 August 1940,her married name was Wilson.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth25 August 1918Charlotte L. Horner was born on 25 August 1918.
Marriage14 August 1940She married Clarence D. Wilson, son of George William Wilson and Katie Bernice VanNatta, on 14 August 1940.
Death1 January 1994Charlotte L. Horner died on 1 January 1994 at Wisconsin at age 75.

Guy Leonard Vinger

M, b. 1 May 1907, d. 27 July 1986
Father*Oscar O. Vinger b. Oct 1880, d. 8 Jul 1956
Mother*Julia Ula b. 1883, d. b 1910
Charts
Matthew McClain Descendants Chart
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1 May 1907Guy Leonard Vinger was born on 1 May 1907 at Lafayette, Wisconsin.
He was the son of Oscar O. Vinger and Julia Ula.
Marriage8 April 1936Guy Leonard Vinger married Dorothy Agnes Wilson, daughter of George William Wilson and Katie Bernice VanNatta, on 8 April 1936.
Death27 July 1986Guy Leonard Vinger died on 27 July 1986 at Grant, Wisconsin, at age 79 Guy L Vinger obituary.
Madison Wisconsin State Journal July 29, 1986 - Guy L Vinger obituary
Burialafter 27 July 1986He was buried after 27 July 1986 at Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville, Grant, Wisconsin.
Census DateLocationDescription
1940Platteville, Grant, WisconsinGuy Leonard Vinger was listed as the head of a family on the 1940 Census at Platteville, Grant, Wisconsin.1

Citations

  1. [S373] U.S. Federal Census 1940 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1940; Census Place: Platteville, Grant, Wisconsin; Roll: T627_4481; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 22-44.

Oscar O. Vinger

M, b. October 1880, d. 8 July 1956
Life EventDateDescription
BirthOctober 1880Oscar O. Vinger was born in October 1880 at Wisconsin.
Marriage30 June 1903He married Julia Ula, daughter of Hans O. Ula and Gunill (?), on 30 June 1903 at Lafayette, Wisconsin.
Death8 July 1956Oscar O. Vinger died on 8 July 1956 at Wisconsin at age 75.

Children of Oscar O. Vinger and Julia Ula

Julia Ula

F, b. 1883, d. before 1910
Father*Hans O. Ula b. c 1844, d. a 1905
Mother*Gunill (?) b. c 1847, d. a 1905
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name30 June 1903As of 30 June 1903,her married name was Vinger.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1883Julia Ula was born in 1883 at Wisconsin.
She was the daughter of Hans O. Ula and Gunill (?).
Marriage30 June 1903Julia Ula married Oscar O. Vinger on 30 June 1903 at Lafayette, Wisconsin.
Deathbefore 1910Julia Ula died before 1910.

Children of Julia Ula and Oscar O. Vinger

Maurice Orford Vinger

M, b. 26 June 1904
Father*Oscar O. Vinger b. Oct 1880, d. 8 Jul 1956
Mother*Julia Ula b. 1883, d. b 1910
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationMaurice Orford Vinger was also known as Morris O.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth26 June 1904Maurice Orford Vinger was born on 26 June 1904 at Lafayette, Wisconsin.
He was the son of Oscar O. Vinger and Julia Ula.

Marvin Henry Vinger

M, b. 26 June 1904, d. May 1982
Father*Oscar O. Vinger b. Oct 1880, d. 8 Jul 1956
Mother*Julia Ula b. 1883, d. b 1910
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationMarvin Henry Vinger was also known as Mervin.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth26 June 1904Marvin Henry Vinger was born on 26 June 1904 at Lafayette, Wisconsin.
He was the son of Oscar O. Vinger and Julia Ula.
DeathMay 1982Marvin Henry Vinger died in May 1982 at Iowa at age 77.

Glenn Clayton Vinger

M, b. 1 May 1907
Father*Oscar O. Vinger b. Oct 1880, d. 8 Jul 1956
Mother*Julia Ula b. 1883, d. b 1910
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1 May 1907Glenn Clayton Vinger was born on 1 May 1907 at Lafayette, Wisconsin.
He was the son of Oscar O. Vinger and Julia Ula.

Hans O. Ula

M, b. circa 1844, d. after 1905
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageHans O. Ula married Gunill (?).
Birthcirca 1844Hans O. Ula was born circa 1844 at Norway.
Deathafter 1905He died after 1905 at USA.

Child of Hans O. Ula and Gunill (?)

Gunill (?)

F, b. circa 1847, d. after 1905
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Ula.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageGunill (?) married Hans O. Ula.
Birthcirca 1847Gunill (?) was born circa 1847 at Norway.
Deathafter 1905She died after 1905 at USA.

Child of Gunill (?) and Hans O. Ula

Robert R. Bennett

M, b. 5 May 1928
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageRobert R. Bennett married Iva Bell VanNatta, daughter of Philip Henry VanNatta and Margaret Anna Berg, at second marriage for her.
Birth5 May 1928Robert R. Bennett was born on 5 May 1928.

(?) Weber

M
Life EventDateDescription
Marriage(?) Weber married Iva Bell VanNatta, daughter of Philip Henry VanNatta and Margaret Anna Berg, at first marriage for her.

Elizabeth A. Ludwig

F, b. 7 April 1919, d. 25 September 2003
Father*Peter J. Ludwig b. May 1871
Mother*Mary M. Overton b. Sep 1875
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationElizabeth A. Ludwig was also known as Liz.
Married Name31 March 1941As of 31 March 1941,her married name was VanNatta.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth7 April 1919Elizabeth A. Ludwig was born on 7 April 1919 at Grant, Wisconsin.
She was the daughter of Peter J. Ludwig and Mary M. Overton.
Marriage31 March 1941Elizabeth A. Ludwig married Roy VanNatta, son of Philip Henry VanNatta and Margaret Anna Berg, on 31 March 1941 at Dubuque, Iowa.
Death25 September 2003Elizabeth A. Ludwig died on 25 September 2003 at Grant, Wisconsin, at age 84.
  • On 3 January 1962 at Mrs LaVerne Day visited sister-in-law Mrs Roy VanNatta and son Roger.
    Mrs LaVerne Day visited Mr and Mrs Roy VanNatta and son Roger 03 Jan 1962 Janesville Daily Gazette (Janesville, WI)

Child of Elizabeth A. Ludwig and Roy VanNatta

Richard A. Johnson

M
Life EventDateDescription
Marriage26 October 1945Richard A. Johnson married Mabel E. VanNatta, daughter of Philip Henry VanNatta and Margaret Anna Berg, on 26 October 1945.

Roger P. VanNatta

M, b. circa 1954, d. 30 January 1962
Father*Roy VanNatta b. 4 Feb 1917, d. 18 Sep 2007
Mother*Elizabeth A. Ludwig b. 7 Apr 1919, d. 25 Sep 2003
Life EventDateDescription
Birthcirca 1954Roger P. VanNatta was born circa 1954.
He was the son of Roy VanNatta and Elizabeth A. Ludwig.
Death30 January 1962Roger P. VanNatta died on 30 January 1962 at Rochester, Minnesota, Roger P. VanNatta, 7, son of Mr and Mrs Roy VanNatta, died Tuesday in a Rochester, Minn. hospital.
  • On 3 January 1962 at Mrs LaVerne Day visited sister-in-law Mrs Roy VanNatta and son Roger.

Mary Ann Nachreiner

F, b. 6 December 1930, d. 11 March 1987
Father*Daniel Nachreiner b. 9 May 1877, d. 18 Jan 1936
Mother*Anna Barbara Lehner b. Jun 1892, d. a 1965
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Lehmann.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageMary Ann Nachreiner married (?) Lehmann.
Birth6 December 1930Mary Ann Nachreiner was born on 6 December 1930 at Sauk, Wisconsin.
She was the daughter of Daniel Nachreiner and Anna Barbara Lehner.
Death11 March 1987Mary Ann Nachreiner died on 11 March 1987 at Sauk, Wisconsin, at age 56.

(?) Lehmann

M
Life EventDateDescription
Marriage(?) Lehmann married Mary Ann Nachreiner, daughter of Daniel Nachreiner and Anna Barbara Lehner.

Alois Reisinger

M, b. 1884, d. 2 May 1967
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1884Alois Reisinger was born in 1884 at Bavaria, Germany.
Marriagecirca 1912He married Theresa Roth, daughter of (?) Roth, circa 1912.
Death2 May 1967Alois Reisinger died on 2 May 1967.
Census DateLocationDescription
26 April 1930Troy, Sauk, WisconsinAlois Reisinger was listed as the head of a family on the 1930 Census at Troy, Sauk, Wisconsin.1

Children of Alois Reisinger and Theresa Roth

Citations

  1. [S250] U.S. Federal Census 1930 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1930; Census Place: Troy, Sauk, Wisconsin; Roll: 2609; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 37; Image: 487.0.

Theresa Roth

F, b. 1888, d. 29 August 1967
Father*(?) Roth
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationTheresa Roth was also known as Carrie.
Name VariationTheresa Roth was also known as Teresia.
Married Namecirca 1912As of circa 1912,her married name was Reisinger.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1888Theresa Roth was born in 1888 at Bavaria, Germany.
She was the daughter of (?) Roth.
Marriagecirca 1912Theresa Roth married Alois Reisinger circa 1912.
Death29 August 1967Theresa Roth died on 29 August 1967 Theresia (Roth) Reisinger obituary (surname listed as Resinger).
Madison Capital Times August 30, 1967 - Theresia (Roth) Reisinger obituary
Census DateLocationDescription
26 April 1930Troy, Sauk, WisconsinTheresa Roth was listed as wife in Alois Reisinger's household on the 1930 Census at Troy, Sauk, Wisconsin.1

Children of Theresa Roth and Alois Reisinger

Citations

  1. [S250] U.S. Federal Census 1930 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1930; Census Place: Troy, Sauk, Wisconsin; Roll: 2609; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 37; Image: 487.0.

Albert Reisinger

M, b. 5 January 1913, d. 29 August 2003
Father*Alois Reisinger b. 1884, d. 2 May 1967
Mother*Theresa Roth b. 1888, d. 29 Aug 1967
Life EventDateDescription
Birth5 January 1913Albert Reisinger was born on 5 January 1913 at Wisconsin.
He was the son of Alois Reisinger and Theresa Roth.
Marriage18 April 1950Albert Reisinger married Anna Marie Genevieve Ruhland, daughter of John W. Ruhland and Josephine Mary Laubmeier, on 18 April 1950.
Death29 August 2003Albert Reisinger died on 29 August 2003 at Sauk, Wisconsin, at age 90 Albert Reisinger, age 90, of Plain, passed away peacefully at the Greenway Manor Nursing Home in Spring Green on Friday, Aug. 29, 2003, on the anniversary date of his mother's death. He was born on Jan. 5, 1913, the son of Alois and Theresa (Roth) Reisinger. Albert was a dairy farmer in Troy Township until his retirement in 1976, when he moved to Plain. His son, Jim, took control of the family farm. He was married to the former Ann Ruhland at St. Luke's Catholic Church on April 18, 1950. Together they celebrated 50 years of blissful marriage in April 2000. Albert was a life-long member of St. Luke's Catholic Church, the Holy Name Society, and the Catholic Knights. Survivors include his wife, Ann Reisinger of Plain; two sons, James (Jean) Reisinger of Spring Green, and David Reisinger of Sauk City; two grandchildren, Brian and Malia Reisinger, both of Spring Green; two brothers, Herman (Emily) Reisinger of Sauk City, and John (Kay) of Bellevue, Neb; seven sisters, Sister Mary Bede Reisinger of Racine, Matilda Bindl of Spring Green, Marie Dischler of Plain, Catherine Maier of Cross Plains; Clara (Jack) Pertzborn of Lodi, Ann (Albert) Maier of Mazomanie, and Helene (Venance) Dederich of Grayslake, Ill; three sisters-in-law, Maurita Reisinger of McFarland, Lucille Reisinger of Middleton, and Leona Reisinger of Madison; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alois and Theresa Reisinger; and four brothers, Edward, Alois Jr., Joseph, and William Reisinger. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at 2 p.m. at ST. LUKE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Plain. Father Mike Resop will officiate with burial in the church cemetery.
Madison Wisconsin State Journal August 31, 2003 - Albert Reisinger obituary
Census DateLocationDescription
26 April 1930Troy, Sauk, WisconsinAlbert Reisinger was listed as a son in Alois Reisinger's household on the 1930 Census at Troy, Sauk, Wisconsin.1

Citations

  1. [S250] U.S. Federal Census 1930 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1930; Census Place: Troy, Sauk, Wisconsin; Roll: 2609; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 37; Image: 487.0.

Sophia Veronica Reisinger

F, b. 22 October 1914, d. 25 March 2010
Father*Alois Reisinger b. 1884, d. 2 May 1967
Mother*Theresa Roth b. 1888, d. 29 Aug 1967
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationSophia Veronica Reisinger was also known as Sophie Veronica.
Name VariationSophia Veronica Reisinger was also known as Sister Mary Bede Reisinger.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth22 October 1914Sophia Veronica Reisinger was born on 22 October 1914 at Wisconsin.
She was the daughter of Alois Reisinger and Theresa Roth.
Death25 March 2010Sophia Veronica Reisinger died on 25 March 2010 at age 95 Sr. Mary Bede Reisinger OP, 95, passed away at Siena Center, Racine on Thursday, March 25, 2010. Sophie Veronica Reisinger was born October 22, 1914, to Alois and Theresa (nee: Roth) Reisinger in Plain. On February 1, 1935, she joined the Racine Dominicans and at her reception in August, 1935, she was given the religious name Sr. Mary Bede. She professed her first vows in 1937 and her final vows in 1943. Sr. Mary Bede spent many years in service to others in food service, sewing, and gardening. She began her ministry in 1935 at St. Catherine Convent, Racine. Other places in Wisconsin where she served were St. Edward, Racine; St. John, South Milwaukee; and Our Lady of the Oaks, Pewaukee. She also served at St. Clement's, Centerline, Mich; Our Lady of Guadalupe, Santa Fe, N.M; and the Dominican House of Studies in River Forest, Ill. She moved to Siena Center in 1989. Sr. Mary Bede is survived by the Racine Dominican Sisters and Associates; her brother, John (Catherine); her sisters, Catherine Maier, Ann (Albert) Maier, Clara Pertzborn, and Helene (Venance) Dederich; sisters-in law, Ann, Lucille, and Emily Reisinger; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Edward, Alois, Joseph, William, Albert, and Herman; and her sisters, Marie Dischler and Tillie Bindl. Visitation will be in the Siena Center Chapel on Saturday, March 27, 2010, beginning at 9 a.m. with a Remembering service at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Highway 32. Memorials to the Racine Dominican Mission Fund have been suggested. ------------------------------
Sister Mary Bede Reisinger, OP
Born to earthly life: October 22, 1914
Religious profession: August 4, 1937
Entered eternal life: March 25, 2010
Who could think of Sister Mary Bede Reisinger without envisioning her decked in her signature straw hat, overalls, and apron, delightedly working in the garden? How appropriate, then, that she was welcomed into the heavenly garden just as the beauty of spring began to burst forth around Siena Center — though for her, beauty is no longer season-bound! How appropriate, too, that this humble woman with a special devotion to Mary should be called home on the feast of the Annunciation! The daughter of Theresa Roth and Alois Reisinger, she had been born on October 22, 1914, on a farm near Plain, Wisconsin. At her baptism in Saint Luke's Church in Plain she was given the name Sophie Veronica. From her earliest days at Saint Luke's School, Sophie wanted to be a sister. But as the second oldest of fourteen children and the first girl, she was her mother's primary helper. She kneaded bread dough already when still so small she had to stand on a chair to do it. By the time she was eleven years old, she was doing most of the family's sewing and mending, even making clothes for her twin sisters, Annie and Clara, when they were born. She hand-milked half of the family's twenty-five cows. Though Wilson Creek Public School was just three miles from the Reisinger farm, Sophie attended only first grade there and then transferred to Saint Luke's, seven miles from home by horse and buggy or sometimes on foot, for the rest of her elementary education. During some winter months she and her siblings, along with the children of another farm family, stayed in two rooms above a blacksmith shop in Plain. They would bring their food for the week, and Sophie would do the cooking. After her graduation, Sophie often did housework for families who were welcoming a new baby. Her pay was typically room, board, and two dollars a week, and she used the money to make clothes for her sisters and brothers. Her family relied heavily upon her, especially through a series of crises and serious injuries among her. Whenever her Racine Dominican teachers at Saint Luke's would ask who wanted to be a sister, she and Fredonia and Eleanore Hausladen (later Sisters Renata and Agatha) would always raise their hands. But Sophie doubted she would ever feel free to join these sisters whom she so loved and respected. How excited she was, then, when Sister Gerold Thome invited her to accompany Fredonia Hausladen to Racine at her entrance into the postulate and to participate in a Christmas retreat with the postulants! Her parents allowed her to go, and two months later, on February 1, 1935, twenty-year-old Sophie entered the community. Her obvious homemaking talents prompted her immediate employment in domestic services at the motherhouse, initially in cleaning, sewing, and assistance in the refectories (dining rooms). At her reception into the novitiate the following August 4, Sophie became Sister Mary Bede of the Blessed Sacrament. While other novices were beginning their teaching ministry, Sister Mary Bede continued her domestic ministry, now in the motherhouse bakery and laundry as well as sewing and mending for those who went out to teach. Her first Christmas in the novitiate was marked by loneliness and sadness, when no family greetings or gifts appeared at her place. She learned only weeks later that her mother had almost died in childbirth on Christmas Eve, after three days of unconsciousness. Sister Mary Bede asked the mistress of novices, Sister Constance Ludden, whether she should go home to help, but was told her family didn't need her help. "I was satisfied," Sister Mary Bede wrote later, "believing this was the will of God." After her profession on August 4, 1937, Sister Mary Bede's domestic assignments at the motherhouse continued until 1942, when she was sent across town to cook and keep house for the sisters at Saint Edward's. This was a real challenge because there was no real "convent" there, with the sisters living on one floor of the school. Just a year later, she was called back to the motherhouse. Added to her responsibilities now was the making of fifteen-decade rosaries for each year's reception class. Her 1944 assignment began eighteen years not only away from the motherhouse but away from Wisconsin as well, starting with three years serving one of the Racine Dominicans' largest local communities, at Saint Clement's in Center Line, Michigan. In 1947 she moved to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Three years later, in December 1950, she was called to the Dominican friars' house of studies in River Forest, Illinois, where she and Sisters Teresa Ulrich and Dorothy Koenen cooked for more than a hundred priests and brothers. She treasured the relationships she developed there and the memories she carried in her heart. Some of the student brothers felt they never would have made it through their studies had it not been for her friendship and support, and she later received letters of deep appreciation from many of them. Her fourteen years in River Forest would be among the most unforgettable of her life. December of 1964 found her once again at the motherhouse to promote the healing of a badly broken ankle, a healing which was in fact hampered for months because of the new duties she was asked to assume. Just a year later she was asked to serve at Saint John's in South Milwaukee—cooking there for just fourteen sisters. In 1969 Sister Mary Bede chose to join the staff at the community's retirement and nursing facility at Our Lady of the Oaks in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. There she cooked and baked and gardened for twenty joyful years, leaving only when Our Lady of the Oaks was closed in November 1989. Though she was at this point seventy-five years old, her irrepressible energy kept her active in the gardens of Siena Center for nearly all of the remaining twenty-one years of her life. Sister Mary Bede cherished her seventy-three years as a vowed Dominican sister, considering herself a "spouse of Christ and the Lord's servant." Just a week before her death, she was among those honored at the Racine Dominican Women's History celebration. In bringing her name forward, Sister Brenda Walsh wrote: "One person stands out in my mind. That is Sister Mary Bede Reisinger. She preaches by the witness of her life as she gets around in her wheelchair to the dining room, to the chapel, and to other involvements. Her presence speaks to me of the need to restore balance to our lives. She reminds me of who we are: purpose, presence, and praise. Her gracious, gentle, smiling, and spirit-filled presence speaks for itself." One of Sister Mary's Bede's most profound desires was to die at Siena Center rather than in a hospital or nursing home, and her wish was granted. Her health was becoming truly fragile in the early weeks of 2010, and she eventually received the services of Hospice in her own room. Her conversations with those who visited her evidenced her vivid longing for eternity and her very conscious preparations for death. The feast of Saint Joseph, March 19, found her particularly eager, but the day dawned and waned and she lived on. Finally, on March 25, the feast of the Annunciation, she slipped quietly from this life to the next. In the apple trees at Pewaukee Stories of appreciation for her gracious, gentle, smiling presence were told over and over by her family, sisters, associates, and friends at Sister Mary Bede's Remembering Service on March 27. Sister Carol Wester summed it up well: "She was one of the most loveable people I know. Everything about her witnessed a spirit of joy. She was just very special." Sister Mary Bede was survived by her brother John (Catherine); her sisters Catherine Maier, Ann (Albert) Maier, Clara Pertzborn, and Helene (Venance) Dederich; sisters-in law Ann, Lucille, and Emily Reisinger; and nieces and nephews. Her parents had preceded her in death as well as her brothers Edward, Alois, Joseph, William, Albert, and Herman, and her sisters Marie Dischler and Tillie Bindl. Sister Mary Bede's body rests in the community plot at Holy Cross Cemetery on Highway 32 in Caledonia.
Census DateLocationDescription
26 April 1930Troy, Sauk, WisconsinSophia Veronica Reisinger was listed as a daughter in Alois Reisinger's household on the 1930 Census at Troy, Sauk, Wisconsin.1

Citations

  1. [S250] U.S. Federal Census 1930 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1930; Census Place: Troy, Sauk, Wisconsin; Roll: 2609; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 37; Image: 487.0.

Herman J. Reisinger

M, b. 7 December 1916, d. 7 July 2006
Father*Alois Reisinger b. 1884, d. 2 May 1967
Mother*Theresa Roth b. 1888, d. 29 Aug 1967
Life EventDateDescription
Birth7 December 1916Herman J. Reisinger was born on 7 December 1916 at Wisconsin.
He was the son of Alois Reisinger and Theresa Roth.
Marriage15 October 1946Herman J. Reisinger married Emily Parker on 15 October 1946.
Death7 July 2006Herman J. Reisinger died on 7 July 2006 at Dane, Wisconsin, at age 89 Herman J. Reisinger, age 89, died on Friday, July 7, 2006, at Heartland Country Village in Black Earth. He was born in Troy township on Dec. 7, 1916, the son of the late Alois and Theresa (Roth) Reisinger. He was united in marriage to Emily Parker on Oct. 15, 1946. Herman was a lifetime farmer in Troy township and was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and was a 4-H leader. He is survived by his wife, Emily; three daughters, Mary Coenen of Sauk City, Jean (Clement) Thering of Sauk City and Jane (Tim) Hineline of Poynette; a daughter-in-law, Karen Reisinger of Sauk City; a brother, John (Kay) Reisinger of Bellevue, Neb; six sisters, Sister Mary Bede of Racine, Tillie Bindl of Spring Green, Catherine Maier of Cross Plains, Clara Pertzborn of Lodi, Ann (Albert) Maier of Mazomanie and Helene (Vinnie) Dederich of Grayslake, Ill; four sisters-in-law, Ann Reisinger of Plain, Leona Reisinger of Madison, Maurita Reisinger of McFarland and Lucille Reisinger of Middleton; a loving grandfather to 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Bernard, in 1993; grandson, Brian Hineline; son-in-law, Clarence Coenen; five brothers, Albert, William, Joseph, Edward and Alois Reisinger; and a sister, Marie Dischler. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. NORBERT'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Roxbury, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2006, with Father Kevin D. Holmes officiating. Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery. Friends may call at HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Sauk City, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, July 10, 2006, where the Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 8 p.m. The family would like to thank the staff of Heartland Country Village and Dr. John Koch for their excellent care of Herman.
Census DateLocationDescription
26 April 1930Troy, Sauk, WisconsinHerman J. Reisinger was listed as a son in Alois Reisinger's household on the 1930 Census at Troy, Sauk, Wisconsin.1

Child of Herman J. Reisinger and Emily Parker

Citations

  1. [S250] U.S. Federal Census 1930 U.S. Federal Census, by Ancestry.com, Year: 1930; Census Place: Troy, Sauk, Wisconsin; Roll: 2609; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 37; Image: 487.0.