Colleen Hoerth
Colleen Hoerth, age 87, of Chilton, died on Friday, February 28, 2020 at the Homestead Care Center in New Holstein. She was born September 15, 1932 in Stockbridge, daughter of the late Roland & Marjorie (Carney) Liebzeit.
Colleen met the love of her life, Clarence Hoerth, and after a bit of courtship, Clarence proposed in the most romantic way he could, topping the proposal with: “What a ya’ think?” Smitten, Colleen said yes and the couple was married on October 10, 1950 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chilton.
She was a woman of deep faith, having been an active member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Kloten where she also belonged to the Christian Mothers and was a volunteer CCD teacher. She currently was a member at St. Mary Catholic Church in Stockbridge. Her prayer life was such a large part of who she was.
Colleen was a great cook who prided herself on having breakfast, dinner and supper always prepared for the many mouths she had to feed. She also worked at Brant, cooked for the Chilton Public School System and at the Chilton Village. Colleen is well known for her creation of beautiful and delicious wedding and special occasion cakes for the past 46 years.
She had a love of music and dancing with Clarence. They enjoyed years of Polka and Square dancing together. Colleen loved to be around people, too. Whether it was the Hoerth family camping, family reunions, card clubs, corn roasts or picnics with friends, Colleen valued time spent with those she loved.
Above all of the gifts of her life, Colleen treasured her 12 children and her family the most. She loved to support all the activities everyone participated in, but she especially enjoyed the wrestling careers of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her dedication to her children led her to be named “Mother of the Year” in 1990.
As a tried and true farmer’s wife, Colleen gave so much of herself to make the lives of those around her better. She was forever putting others’ needs ahead of her own and no matter how busy she was, her home was always clean, beautiful and full of love … some craziness … but always love.
Survivors include her husband: Clarence; her children: Donna (Russ) Grunze, Doris Popp, Mike Hoerth, Lyle (Patti) Hoerth, Linda (Joe) Thielman, John (Sharon) Hoerth, Gerald (Michele) Hoerth, Gary (Lisa) Hoerth, Wayne (Mary) Hoerth, Kevin (Peggy) Hoerth & Tammy (Dave) Augsburger; a daughter-in-law: Judi Hoerth; 35 grandchildren; 54 great grandchildren; her siblings: Jim Liebzeit, Jerry (Lynn) Liebzeit, Carol Reese & Donny (Jeanette) Liebzeit; and a sister-in-law: Carol Buelow. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Colleen was preceded in death by her parents: Roland & Marjorie Liebzeit; parents-in-law: Al & Jennie Hoerth; a son: Robert Hoerth; a son-in-law, Layne Popp; 3 grandchildren: Kyle Popp, Nicholas Kleinhans & Adam Hoerth; and siblings-in-law: Lowell Reese, Dolores and Lester Roehrig & Ralph Buelow.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Friday, March 6, 2020 at St. Mary Catholic Church (Military Ave.) in Stockbridge with Rev. Michael Betley officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery in Kloten. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2020 and on Friday at the church from 9:00 am until 10:30 am. A parish vigil service will take place at the close of visitation on Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Clarence and the entire family would like to thank the very special staff at the Homestead Care Center and Calumet County Hospice team for the amazing, kind and loving care they provided to Colleen during these very difficult days.