Beatrice Kusch-Gierczak Obituary

Kusch-Gierczak, Beatrice Mae

Beatrice Mae Kusch-Gierczak peacefully passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at a Green Bay Nursing home at 86 years of age.

She was born on Feb. 14, 1925 to Henry & Gladys Kusch. She graduated from East High School in 1938 and married Kenneth Horkman at age 18. They had two children, Ronald and Maria Horkman, and they enjoyed picnicking and spending time together.

Beatrice married Anton Hansford and together they raised Debbie and Rosie Hansford.

She volunteered teaching Sunday School at Calvary Luthern Church and committed her time as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader.

They enjoyed many family gatherings with the Hansford and Kusch families.

Anton passed away from cancer in 1961.

Beatrice married Joseph P Gierczak, and he was the father of Paulette, Janette, and Mark Gierczak. She enjoyed camping, traveling and studying nature with her family.

Her hobbies included embroidering, knitting, sewing and crocheting, and she created beautiful quilts for each of her children. She enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren from Milwaukee, to Washington D.C., New Mexico, Salt Lake City, Utah, Camas, Wash., Pittsburgh, Penn. and even Capetown, South Africa. Her famous quote was "Have bags, will travel!"

Beatrice was very social, fun-loving, and had a great sense of humor throughout her life.

She was an optimist ... she always said "It was OK to make a mistake as long as you learned from it." "When life gets tough, you pick yourself up by your boot straps and carry on."

Her favorite pastimes with all of her children and grandchildren were family celebrations and picnicking. Beatrice was not a materialistic person ... she took great pleasure in the simple things of life ... she would gaze up to the sky to see patterns in the clouds and the stars ... she took pride in identifying the different plants, animals, shells on the beach, and sharing her knowledge.

Beatrice is survived by son, Ronald Horkman married to Gail Peterson, grandchildren, Billy Horkman, Rhonda Rummell, and Jason Horkman with 10 great- grandchildren; daughter,Maria Horkman, grandchildren, Corrina Ellis, Tonya Jory, and Suzette Dieterich; daughter, Debbie Hering (deceased) was married to Gene Hering, grandchildren, Brian and Adam with three great-grandchildren; daughter, Rosie Dittmann married to David Dittmann, grandson, Tony; daughter, Paulette Morris married to Art Morris, grandsons, Mikhail and lain; daughter, Janette Zimonick married to John Zimonick, granddaughters, Jessica and Janelle, son-Mark Gierczak.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Henry Kusch; her sisters, Irene Jantz and Ida Hartford; her daughter, Debbie C. Hering; her husband, Joseph P Gierczak; and her past husbands, Aton Hansford and Kenneth Horkman.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Care for All Ages and Parkview Nursing Home, Sandy Swoboda and St Paul Luthern Church for their kindness and loving care.

Love to our mother from all her children... May she rest in peace.

Friends and family are invited to gather at Nicolet Memorial Gardens on Thursday, July 21, 2011. Visitation is from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service 11:30 a.m.

Malcore Funeral home is assisting the family with on-line condolences at www.malcorefuneralhome.com

Memorials may be sent to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Wis.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Green Bay Press-Gazette on Jul. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Beatrice Kusch-Gierczak

2 Entries

Linda Alexander

July 20, 2011

I remember your mother/grandma so well. She was a very kind and strong woman and did her best. Debbie was my best friend in high school. We did so many wonderful things together, but we shared our lives together, good and bad. She was the best friend anyone could have. She had many talents learned from her mother, obviously ,and loved nature as her mother did. Debbie can now spend time in heaven with her mother doing the activities they both love to do.
"Trust in the Lord with all your hearts, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your path."

You have my deepest sympathy.
Linda Klunk Alexander

July 20, 2011

My condolences to the entire family. I was a dear friend of Debbie and miss her so very much. The obituary is beautiful acknowledging all the family members. Such a wonderful tribute to your mom, grandmother, great grandmother. Marge Louis Biemeret

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