Marie A. "Gratton" Michalowske

Marie Agnes Gratton Michalowske - 91 went home with her Lord early Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at the Fond du Lac Lutheran Home, where she has been a resident since December, 2010. She formally lived at 11 N. Peters Ave. Marie was born September 5, 1921 to George and Viola (Potratz) Gratton, the second of seven children. She was a 'tomboy' at heart, helping her dad, playing ball and hockey with the neighbor boys. Marie met her husband Joe Michalowske ice skating on the FDL river. She worked at Wright Bros. Paper Box while Joe was in the service, on his return they married on August 31, 1946. They honeymooned at Fort Lewis, WA . until he was discharged and then returned to FDL. They were very active in the Church of Peace, where Marie was a lifelong member and was one of the first ladies to serve on the church council. She helped out in the office, taught Sunday school, was a member of the Ladies Aid, money counters and messenger group for over 50 years. She also worked at the annual church Bazaar for 30 some years.Marie was a very outgoing person talking to everyone she met. She enjoyed riding her bike, her flowers, knitting, crafts, making hats, which she always wore and gave away over 100 of them. She also collected over 200 teddy bears which she also gave away to many children. After Joe's early death, Marie worked at Sabish Jr. High School as a cook for many years. She was a caregiver to family and friends in need. When her health started to fail she resided at Touchstone Assisted Living for several years and then moved to the Lutheran Home.Marie is survived by her 'baby sister' Judie Behnke and her husband Norman who have watched over her for many years. Nieces and nephews - Sharon (Jerry)Wagner, FDL, Kathie (David) Luther, Montello, Norb Gray, Carol (Jack) Farvour, Michael (Sandy) Pickart, John Pickart, and Jim (Julie) Pickart all of Oshkosh, Patti Lane (Richard) Kulaga, Las Vegas, NV.,JoAnn (Brad) Davis, Wis. Dells, Bob (Cindy) Gratton, FDL, Tom (Donna) Gratton, NFDL, John (Nancy) Gratton, Oshkosh, Carla Behnke, Oak Creek, and Curt Behnke, Chicago,IL. Godchildren -Judie and Curt Behnke and Mark Potratz, as well as other Michalowske nieces and nephews. Three sister-in-laws Carlene Michalowske, Helen Toth and Mary Zajak. Special friends the Don Behnke Family. Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Joe, her brother Adrian J. Gratton, sisters "“Evelyn (Roland) Fincke, Bette (Louis) Pickart, June (Robert) Crain and Marguerite LaPine, also a niece Lois Gray.



Visitation will be held at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home on Sunday December 23, 2012 from 3 to 7pm and on Monday December 24, 2012 at Church of Peace from 9am to 10 am with funeral services to follow at 10am with Rev. Jennifer C.M. Dawson officiating. Burial will follow in Estabrooks Cemetery. Uecker-Witt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and guestbook may be found at wwwueckerwitt.com