Emma J. Hitzelberger, 91, passed away peacefully in Lakeshore Manor on Saturday, July 23, 2011. She was born in Racine on July 22, 1920, the daughter of the late Francis and Antonia (nee; Butkis) Gedraitis. Mrs. Hitzelberger was a graduate of Washington Park High School. On August 10, 1940, in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, she was united in marriage to Wm. Stuart Hitzelberger, who preceded her in death on January 5, 1979, at the age of 59. Emma and Stuart started their family in Milwaukee, moving back to Racine in 1948. Emma was a stay at home mother while raising their two boys. Later in life she had been employed by St. Mary’s Medical Center for over 15 years, retiring in 1994. While there, she made many dear and long lasting friendships, especially Nancy Kowalczuk and Marion Stanton, and the rest of the “clique”. Surviving are her 2 sons, Richard (Deborah) Hitzelberger and Ronald (Jane) Hitzelberger, all of Racine; and her last living sibling, brother, Joseph (Mary) Shinkunas, in Florida. Her nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive her. In addition to her beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her father, Frank Gedraitis; mother, Antonia Shinkunas; stepfather, John Shinkunas; and sisters, Steffa Gedraitis, Bena Vallone, and Anna Grauwels. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Richard’s Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Ave., on Wednesday, July 27th, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ronald G. Gramza officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery Hwy 32. In lieu of flowers memorials have been suggested to St. Richard’s Church, or the charity of your choice.
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