Ilse Degelow

Degelow, Ilse, age 88 years, left this world in Dousman, WI on Monday, July 23, 2012. Ilse was born in Stolp, in former German Pommerania by the Baltic Sea on April 30, 1924. She fled as the Russians advanced and endured much hardship during and after WWII. In 1950, Ilse and her husband settled in Milwaukee. They frugally lived the American immigrant citizens' dream, building a home in Brookfield just 13 years after coming to this country with only a suitcase of clothes and books. Ilse rejoins Hans, her husband of 50 years, who left this world on Nov 17, 1998. She leaves behind her daughter Marianne (Rusty) Miller of Massillon, OH. 'Grandma Cookies' will be dearly missed by grand daughters Audrey Miller of Canton, OH, Margaret 'Gretchen' (Patrick) Wendell of Massillon, OH and Marijo Miller of Wooster, OH. Ilse was a dear, beloved friend and 'adopted mom' of Audrey Schmitz of Delafield, WI and Bill Schmitz of Colgate, WI, who held her hands during her final hours. Ilse was a retired office manager for Con-Cor, Menomonee Falls, WI. She very much enjoyed traveling and cruises with Hans, being a member of Ladies of McKinley Lodge, as well as participating with and supporting Hans' many Masonic activities. Her selection of gourmet, store bought cookies always amazed her grand daughters. A memorial service will be held at 6:30 PM on Monday, August 13 in the Ewald Chapel at Three Pillars –Wisconsin Masonic Home in Dousman. In lieu of flowers, memorials to McKinley Lodge No. 307 F. & A.M. or to Shriners Hospitals for Children are appreciated.