----Sources: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, WI)

LOUISE HANDKE-STERNITZKY

Louise Handke-Sternitzky, age 95, of Granton, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at her home.

Louise was born on May 12, 1909 in Pine Valley Township, Clark County, the daughter of Julius and Margaret (Gangler) Geisler. She attended the Silver Crest School in Pine Valley Township and then moved to Chicago, where she worked in a mirror factory. After her parents death she moved back to the Neillsville area and kept house for her future mother-in-law. She was united in marriage on Aug. 16, 1933 to Elmer ‘Buster' Handke. Elmer later died in 1967. After Elmer's death Louise worked at Figi's and also tended bar at Butch and Vivian's in Lynn. Five years after Elmer's death Louise married Erwin Sternitzky. They were married for 20 years before his death in 1992.

Louise was a wonderful loving, wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed playing cards, especially Sheepshead and Pinochle. She also enjoyed gardening and canning. She was famous for her pickles. Louise also enjoyed crocheting, and she once crocheted 400 coat hangers for the church. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Granton and the Ladies Aid, the Granton Sportsman's Club and the Neillsville, Granton and Chili Senior Citizens.

Surviving Louise are her children, Iyron E. (Donna) Handke Sr., of Willard; Eldon F (Donna) Handke, Sr., of Granton; Laura Lee L. Zank, of Granton; Elmer E (Maureen) Jr., of Marshfield; Buster (Casey) Handke, of Marshfield; and Cheryl Handke of Granton; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and many good friends. Preceding Louise in death are her two husbands; her parents; and 6 siblings.

Funeral services for Louise will be held at 11 a.m. Mon. Aug. 16, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Granton with Pastor John Trewyn officiating. Caroline Helm, organist, will provide the music. Interment will be in the Town of Lynn Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

Honorary casket bearers are: Merle Bartsch and William Buddinger Jr. Casket bearers are: Bob Barth, Don Bartsch, Leland Bartsch, Wilbur Buddinger, Frank Geisler and George Geisler.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.