Gretchen Ann Hirschinger

Gretchen Ann Hirschinger passed peacefully from this world Sunday, February 1st, at the age of 87.

Born on June 30th, 1938, to Robert and Dorothy Hafer of Park Falls, Wisconsin, she lived a generally quiet life in her early years. Upon graduating high school, she moved to Milwaukee to study radiology, where she met her husband Bruce.

In her words, "This is where my adventure began."

Together they raised four children, though she would quip that with her husband involved, she felt like a mother to five.

She had an intelligent, dry sense of humor, which often contrasted to her husband's more pronounced, gentle wit. Indeed, she in many ways was often the source of stability in their household, a point in which she took great pride. Their house was often the center of activity in their neighborhood, she and her husband were often remembered as being like parents to the whole neighborhood's children.

A devout Catholic, she sought to raise her children with a strong moral foundation consistent with the teachings of her faith.

She and her husband were adamant that their children have greater opportunity in their lives than they themselves had, and often underwent significant personal sacrifices to ensure that be the case. She took great pride in the successes of her children, and pride in her and her husband's role in making those successes possible.

After a lifetime of work, she and her husband retired to a house on Moose Lake, though health concerns led to them moving between Wisconsin and the warmer climate of Florida.

She returned to Wisconsin after her husband passed, living in a senior complex in Pewaukee, where she enjoyed being closer to her family, was well-liked by her neighbors, and had many friends. Her favorite activities were her rosary group, bible study group, prayer group, and mahjong games. She enjoyed hearing stories of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and had a special fondness for stories of their pets' antics.

She is succeeded by her four children and their families:

Robert Hirschinger and wife Michelle, and their children: Max Hirschinger; Claire Zweifel and husband Logan, and their children Isla and Maeve;

Lora Blasius, Marty Brodzeller and their children: Randy Brodzeller and wife Angie and their children Madelyn and Samuel; Elizabeth Lamb and husband Austin and their children Penelope and Lucia; Rachael Naunheim and husband Michael and their soon-to-be-born child;

Suzanne Roden and her children Andrew Roden; Kathryn Roden; Alex Roden and wife Rachel; and Ryan Roden;

Carrie Guzlecki and husband Jim, and her children: Matthew Molitor; Melissa Molitor and her children Brylee and Jax;

She is also survived by her two cousins, Rosemary O'Connor and Carol McMorrow.

A lifelong Catholic, she approached her final days with much grace, and a great eagerness to join her beloved husband Bruce in Heaven. In her words, "I'm 87 years old; I've lived a good life."