Colleen V. Sindermann

1929 - 2025

Watertown, WI - Colleen V. Sindermann, 96, of Watertown, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 1:45 a.m. at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Hafemeister Funeral Home. Family and friends may gather at Hafemeister Funeral Home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Union Cemetery in Jefferson. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com.

Born in Milwaukee on June 18, 1929, to William and Gertrude Bisping, Colleen's childhood was shaped by early hardship. After losing her mother at the tender age of 10, she was lovingly cared for by various relatives, from her Bisping grandparents to family in Woodville, WI, and later her father in Clinton, TN. Her youth was a map of travels across states, but her faith remained a constant, and she was confirmed in Faribault, MN. This challenging journey culminated in a milestone of stability and pride when she earned her diploma from Jefferson High School in 1949.

After tragically losing her husband, Erwin, in the Jefferson Stoppenbach Smokehouse explosion on December 4, 1967, Colleen found a new chapter of love and family. She was united in marriage with George Sindermann on November 8, 1969, at St. Bernard's Church in Watertown. With their union, she warmly welcomed his seven children, and together they built a bustling family life. Colleen and George shared their lives together until his passing in April 2002.

Colleen was a dedicated and versatile professional who made a lasting mark on her community through a wide array of roles. She was the proud business owner of Action Auctions and Handy Hand Laundry, a pioneering bus driver for Jefferson High School as the first female bus driver, and the beloved "pizza lady" at Pizza Pit for ten years. Her career also included managing auto parts, serving as a secretary for the local bowling alleys, and working at the Hong Kong and Golden Dragon restaurants. She concluded her distinguished career after 15 years of dedicated service as a district manager for World Book Encyclopedias.

Colleen had a true passion for games and good company. She loved the competition of the bowling alley, the fun of Wii bowling with family, and the thrill of a winning BINGO card. She was always ready for a game of Euchre or Sheepshead and proudly served her community for 25 years as a member of the Kitchen Klan Homemakers. Colleen was also honored to be a life member of VFW Post 3709.

On February 10, 1951, Colleen married Erwin Griep, beginning a beautiful chapter of her life. Their union was the foundation of a loving home, and together they were blessed with seven children who became the center of their world: Ronald, Maynard, Shirley, Susan, Glenn, Allen, and Carol.

Colleen is survived by her children, Ronald (Jenny) Griep, Shirley (Kevin) Magnusson, Glenn Griep, Allen Griep, and Carol Griep; stepchildren, Phillip (Becky) Sindermann, Tom (Carol) Sindermann, John Sindermann, Georgine (Kevin) Langlois, Mary (Henry) Brown, and Greg Sindermann; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Colleen is preceded in death by both of her husbands; parents; two stepmothers, Mildred and Katherine Seeber; son, Maynard Griep; daughter, Susan Vick; stepson, Tim Sindermann; grandson, Dustin Griep; son-in-law, Terry Gerbig; daughter-in-law, Kathy; stepbrother, Bruce Terland; and sisters-in-law, Lorrain Leons and LaVerne.

The family would like to thank Billie Seeber, The Marquardt, and Rainbow Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Colleen and her family.