RACINE – Ethel Mae Lenzke, 82, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 23, 2016, surrounded by her family at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. Ethel Mae Lenzke (Nee: Mason) was born in Racine on February 20, 1933, daughter of the late Orville and Clara (Nee: Mulder) Mason.

Ethel is survived by her husband of 66 years, her high school sweetheart and soul mate, Richard (Dick) F. Lenzke, Sr. Ethel and Richard were united in marriage at St. Patrick's Church on August 6, 1949. Ethel attended Washington Park High School, and Richard, William Horlick High School. They shared a lifetime wager on the outcome of the Park – Horlick football game.

She was employed for most of her working career at Motor Specialty, Inc. as a supervisor and foreman. Her many interests and hobbies included crocheting, embroidery, and cooking and baking, but she was most proud of the flowers in her yard each year. She was also an avid collector, including porcelain dolls, knick knacks, bells, and miniature pewter figurines.  Ethel and Richard enjoyed the many bus tour vacations they took during their retirement years.

Ethel is survived by five of her six children, daughter Linda Lenzke, of Madison, WI, daughter Cynthia Castro, Racine and son Richard Lenzke Jr. (Nancy) of Castle Rock, CO., daughter Kelly Zickus (Bill) Racine and daughter Tami Reschke (Ron) of Madison, WI.

Survivors also include eight grandchildren: John (Nikki), Jennifer (Becky), Casey, Daniel, Alec, Taryn (Bob), Quinn, and Gemma, and five great grandchildren, Madison, Martin, M'Kye, Jace, and Nala.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Clara (Nee: Mulder) Mason, stepfather Charles Holly, her daughter Rosalyn Lenzke of Racine and five siblings, Dorothy Schwartz, Betty Uhlir, Janet Rivest, and Ronald and William (Willy) Mason plus grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 for a visitation from 5-7 p.m.  A service remembering and celebrating her life will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  A private interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery.

The family would like to acknowledge and express their gratitude for her primary care physician, Dr. John Brennan and her cardiologist, Dr. Thomas Shimshak. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center for their compassionate care.

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."