Surnames: Schiesel, Lesselyoung, Scheller, Weber, Althaus, Dachel, Menor

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) January 14, 2009

Schiesel, Laniece Helen (28 June 1909 - 1 January 2009)

Laniece Helen Schiesel 99 died Jan. 1, 2009, six months short of her 100th birthday.

Laniece "Niecie" was born June 29, 1909, to William and Rose (Lesselyoung) Scheller in Marshfield. There she spent her youth and received her education. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, where June 24, 1927, she married John "Huntzie" Schiesel. In 1937, they moved to Neillsville where they owned and operated the Neillsville Maytag Appliance Store for 35 years until their retirement.

Active in civic and volunteer activities, she was a charter member and past president of the Neillsville Business & Professional Women, School and Foundry boards, Red Cross and March of Dimes. A member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she taught CCD classes there. From 1958 to 1965, she served as an officer of the Clark County Circuit Court as bailiff. Delighting in showing off her badge, she described these years as the most interesting of her life. In 1982, Laniece and Huntzie relocated to Peoria, AZ, to enjoy the sun and be near their son, Donnie, and daughter-in-law, Ardelle (Weber) Schiesel.

At a young age without lessons, she learned to play the piano "by ear." She later played the organ almost exclusively but never passes up a chance to perform on any keyboard available. Family Christmas Eves were always spent gathered around her singing carols as she played her beloved Hammond. She entertained at various senior centers from Neillsville to Sun City with her repertoire of Big Band era tunes, polkas, World War I/II and Big 10 songs. When asked in what key she played, her reply was always "the black and white ones." Well into her 90s, she continued entertaining Sun City Olive Branch senior center visitors three times a week and played when she could at the Immanuel Campus of Care in Peoria where she resided since 2003. Music was her salvation, and she was still able to play a few tunes just months before her death.

She is survived by a granddaughter, Judith Schiesel, Madison; nephew, William (Cindy) Scheller, Little Chute; three nieces, Vickie (Don) Althaus, Oak Creek, Laura (Jim) Dachel, Oak Creek, and Laniece Menor, Chandler, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four brothers, daughter-in-law and, just 13 months ago, her son.

Her feisty nature and engaging ways will be missed by those who loved her and the many that enjoyed the music she provided over the years.

An interment service will be held at a later date at Hillside Cemetery, Marshfield, coinciding with a celebration of life that will be held for Donnie, Ardelle and Laniece. Memorials can be sent in her name to the Clark County Humane Society, W3926 STH 73 Neillsville WI 54456.