Claudine Adeline Kircher

1922 - 2014

Kircher, Claudine Adeline (Nee Piper ) Born June 7, 1922. Delivered into the arms of her loving parents, James and Bessie Piper, on July 4, 1922. Born to Eternal Life on July 19, 2014. Claudine was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, George E. Kircher in February of 1998. Claudine and George had five children, all of whom survive them: Barbara Ann, Thomas Carl, Mary Elizabeth, Robert James and Mark Andrew. She was proud to have had sixteen grandchildren: Craig, Michael, Anthony and Angela, the children of Barbara and Daniel Sasso of Cape Coral, Florida; Emily and Vincent, the children of Thomas and Cecelia of Rochester; Cullen, Dana and Alexander, the children of Mary Elizabeth and Daniel Harkness of Milwaukee; Elizabeth and Katherine, the children of Robert of Madison and Ashley, Alexandria, Casandra, Kelsey and Taylor, the children of Mark and Karen of Elm Grove. She is further survived by nine great-grandchildren and her devoted brother and sister-in-law Carl and Noreen Kircher of West Bend and their children. Claudine was raised in Suring, WI, attended high school in Waupaca, and declined a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin in order to care for her mother. She and her mother then moved to West Bend to be with extended family. She met her future husband and the love of her life, George, while he was home on leave from the Army. They were married on Christmas Day, 1944, at Fort Sill, OK. Upon returning to West Bend, they built a home, raised their children, and enjoyed the close friendship of many. In addition to being a loyal wife and loving mother, Claudine worked as the assistant treasurer of the West Bend Savings & Loan and later was treasurer of the City of West Bend, a position in which she excelled and from which she retired in 1986. In her retirement, she cared for her grandchildren, served as treasurer of the Saint Joseph Community Hospital Partners, and enjoyed the company of her husband, family and friends. She never said no to an opportunity for celebration, and especially loved Christmas and the Fourth of July, which she considered her second birthday. Throughout her life, Claudine cared for her family first, and instilled in her children an unfailing determination to succeed regardless of circumstance. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Elizabeth Residence in Bayside, who provided Claudine with comfort and loving care in her final years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 23 at 10:30 AM at Holy Angels Church with burial following in the parish cemetery. Visitation at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass. Memorials to the Holy Angels School Trust Fund in Claudine's name are appreciated. Claudine always gave her family the very best she had. Mom, we promise to stay close and do our best to make you proud. All of our love, always. Schmidt Funeral Home West Bend www.schmidtfuneralhome.com/