Erna B. Piechura

Erna Piechura, a longtime resident of Brookfield, passed away peacefully from natural causes on February 4, 2026.

Erna was the proud mother of six, grandmother of twelve, great-grandmother of six, and sister, aunt and friend to countless more. Most extraordinarily, she was the devoted wife of husband Bill Piechura for 71 years.

Born on May 5, 1934, in Milwaukee to parents who immigrated from Austria, Erna graduated from Rufus King High School and married Bill Piechura on April 24, 1954. Their eventual family of six children lived on 72nd Street in Milwaukee before moving to Brookfield in 1976.

A mom in every sense of the word while her children were growing up, Erna later found great joy in a longtime job at the Elm Grove Public Library, where her kindness and love of books were felt by many.

Her life’s passion, without question, was taking care of her family—five boys, one girl and five dogs — and the many in-laws and grandchildren who joined along the way. Being “Grandma” was probably her greatest joy, and she also rejoiced in spending time with her extended family of brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. She enjoyed trips to Disney World, the Osthoff Resort and New York City; afternoons watching a musical production; shopping with daughters and granddaughters at the mall, and getting lost in a good mystery novel.

Along with her husband, she is survived by her sons Bill (Debbie), Bob (Chris), Mike (Barbara), Jim and Tom (Rob Frazier) Piechura; daughter Sandi (Dennis) Vollmer; brother Bill (Helen Bannan) Baurecht; twelve grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren -- all of whom are full of gratitude for the long life she lived.

In keeping with her wishes, a private service will be held for family at a later date.