Ila M. Grunewald, age 92, of Clintonville passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Aster Assisted Living, Clintonville.
The former Ila May Redman was born on January 4, 1929 in Sheboygan to Louis and Sophia (Beyersdorf) Redman. She grew up in the Tigerton area and attended Blue Ribbon School. Ila and her family were members of Peace Lutheran Church – Split Rock. She was united in marriage on April 20, 1949 to Arlin “Toby” Kersten Sr. at the Zion Lutheran Church parsonage in Caroline. The couple lived in Clintonville, they were blessed with three children, and enjoyed 26 wonderful years together.
For some time, Ila worked as an aide at Greentree Nursing Home and then was employed as an assembler for several years at FWD Corporation. Next she was employed as a clerk at Bob’s Supermarket for many years and then went back to working as a CNA for a short time at the Behling Home. For close to 30 years, she was an active member of Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville. Her husband Arlin preceded her in death on December 9, 1975.
Ila was married on July 14, 1979 to Leonard F. Grunewald at Zion Lutheran Church, Caroline. She moved to the farm in Caroline and became a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church. Ila and Leonard shared 41 years together until his passing on February 6, 2021.
Ila enjoyed playing cards, working on jig saw puzzles, and completing word search books. She had lots of good times and cherished memories with her grandsons on the farm. Her favorite television game shows were certainly Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right. She always liked polka music and watching the Caroline Cougars, Packers, or Brewers play ball. Another favorite pastime of Ila’s was visiting the casino and playing bingo and winning on the slot machines. She will be remembered most as a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother and great grandmother.
Survivors include two children, Judy (Cliff) Rohloff and Arlin (Joan) Kersten Jr., both of Clintonville; and a daughter-in-law, Terrie Kersten of New London. There are 5 grandchildren: Mike (Jeanne) Rohloff, Toby (Amy) Kersten, Kim (friend John) Fiane, Andy Kersten, and Adam (Kristine) Kersten. There are 12 great grandchildren: Molly (Ty), Allysin (friend Tyler), Hailey, Lillian, Paige, Tylie, Kameron, Randi, Frankie, Toby, Melissa, and Andy (Tabby). There are 6 great-great grandchildren: Kenleigh, Natalie, Elijah, Isaiah, Bailey, and Corbin. She is further survived by one sister, Ruby Pastovic of Appleton: and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ila was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; a son Larry Kersten; a great grandson Aaron Mares; and six sisters, Ruth (Arthur) Hille, Ellen Johnson-Keyser (Charles and Gus), Betty (Walter) Grunewald, Aretta (Richard) Strong, Roma Verg-Milligan (Loyd and Wilson), and Lois (Carl) Maas.
A Private Family Service will be held on Thursday evening, March 18th at Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville. Rev. Brian Crocker will officiate and burial will be at a later date at Peace Lutheran Cemetery – Split Rock.
Memorials are preferred to Peace Lutheran Cemetery. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, is assisting with the arrangements. Please go to www.beil-didier.com to sign the online guestbook or to send a card to the family.
We especially wish to thank ThedaCare at Home Hospice for the wonderful care provide
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