Service Details
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 12:00 noon in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Javier Guativa officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Tuesday from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon. Private entombment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to St. Lucy Church Food Pantry or Racine Public Library (Children’s Dept.) have been suggested.
Racine – Claire Ann (nee: Zinnen) Banaszak, age 89, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, April 3, 2019 at Ascension All Saints Hospital.
Claire was born in Milwaukee on May 8, 1929 to the late Raymond and Helen (nee: Schulte) Zinnen. She was a 1946 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School and went on to earn her degree in education from Milwaukee State Teachers College (UW-Milwaukee) in 1951. On June 21, 1952 in St. Edward Catholic Church, Claire was united in marriage with Gerald Banaszak, who preceded her in death on July 19, 1988.
During her teaching career, Mrs. Banaszak taught at Racine Cooperative Preschool and Racine Unified School District before accepting a position at Raymond Elementary, retiring in 1991 when she became a member of the Racine Area Retired Educators Association. With a profound Christian faith, Claire was a faithful member of St. Lucy Catholic Church, where she was active with the Altar Society, Annual Church Festival, Rosary Makers Group, St. Vincent DePaul Meal Program, helping with Holiday Parties for the elderly and was a proud member of the Catholic Women’s Club of Racine. Among her interests Claire enjoyed travelling – having made several trips to Europe, and handiwork: especially knitting & sewing for various charities. Above all, she loved spending time with her entire family.
Surviving are her children, Peter (Cynthia) Banaszak, John Banaszak and Richard (Mari) Banaszak; grandchildren, Emily Banaszak, Jenna (Jake) Stadler and Jared Banaszak; beautiful great-granddaughter, Marielle Claire Stadler; sisters, Dorothy Brandt, Janet Martell and Margaret (David) Balane; sister-in-law, Marta Banaszak; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Claire was preceded in death by her brother, William (Junemarie) Zinnen; Gerald’s parents, Vincent and Martha Banaszak; sisters-in-law, Marge (Tony) Pochert and Delores (Joe) Hudlett; and brothers-in-law, Del Brandt, Jim Martell, Eugene (Anita) Banaszak and Richard Banaszak.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 12:00 noon in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Javier Guativa officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Tuesday from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon. Private entombment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorials to St. Lucy Church Food Pantry or Racine Public Library (Children’s Dept.) have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to St. Monica’s Senior Living and to Claire’s devoted friend, Mary Snyder, for the compassionate care & support given in Claire’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
Taylor's says
My sincere condolences to Colstons family. May you find comfort from the promise at John 6:40 knowing your loved one is in God’s memory. My heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time.
Anonymous says
Tom and Therese Andersen
Dennis McGoldrick says
My sincere sympathies to Peter, John and Richard. I knew both of your parents very well. I carpooled to Case HS with your dad for many years. Loved him for his caring attitude and optimistic outlook. Met your mom when I stopped by the house to have my tennis racket restrung by your dad. Such a big hearted woman. Born to be an elementary teacher! We lived on the opposite end of the boulevard and our 3 boys made a special point of stopping by your house on Halloween because your mom always recognized them and had a special “treat ” for them which usually included a small book to read and a pencil to use at school. Such fond memories of two beautiful people L
J. Flowers says
Dear family and friends, I’m very sorry for your loss. Many of us have experienced the death of a loved one. But in the near future this too will have passed away. At 1 Corinthians 15:26 it says “And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing.” Yes, God will completely remove death, forever. I hope this scripture brings you comfort.
Anonymous says
Dear Aunt Claire was my godmother. She never forgot my birthday or Christmas. I could count on a pair of flannel pajamas each year. My fondest memories were visiting her and seeing her seasonal decorations. She stayed a teacher for her whole life. I will miss her kindness, grace and annual Christmas letters.
Christine Pochert Ringle
Sheila M. Robinson says
It is with great sorrow that I am sending my condolences on your recent loss. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I and would like to share a scripture that has benefited me and many people in time of grief. God reassures us of something wonderful in the Bible at Acts 24:15. It says, “There is going to be a resurrection.” Along with God’s promise to us at Revelation 21:3, 4 of sorrow, death, and pain being done away with permanently.
It is my hope that this bit of information is of comfort to you. Please be sure to find further information regarding the resurrection at: JW.ORG
May God be with you.
David Lauer says
Peter and Cindy,
I’m sorry I missed Mrs. Banaszak’s funeral. Gerry was my all-time favorite teacher, and I remember Clare from our concerts. They are back together now.