Gretel Rehm, (nee Bauer) age 95, of West Bend, passed away Saturday February 28, 2015 at Emerald Way, West Bend.
She was born on April 21, 1919 in Esslingen, Germany to the late Ludwig and Elsie (nee Silberhorn) Bauer. Gretel served in the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) during WW II. On May 30, 1942 she was united in marriage to Erich Rehm in Esslingen, Germany. In 1951 they came to the United States and settled in the Milwaukee Area. With her husband Erich they owned and operated Rehm Electric Service in Wauwatosa and Brookfield until retiring in 1981. From 1982 until 1996 they spent their retirement years in Mercer, and in 1996 they moved to Hartford.
Gretel was a member of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church - Cedar Lake. She volunteered at Elm brook Hospital for many years. Gretel enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint, sewing, painting, gardening, and was a fantastic cook.
She is survived by two children, Bernd "Erich" (Diane) Rehm of West Bend, and Ursula (Jon) Lanam of Spokane, WA; three grandchildren, Eric (Jennifer) Lanam, Stephanie Lanam, and Matthew (Amy) Rehm; six great-grandchildren, Justin, Callie, Jack & Katie Lanam, and Cadence & Sean Rehm; a brother, Herbert (Lore) Bauer of Esslingen, Germany; three sisters-in-law, Gretel Maissenbacher and Geisela Feierbacher, both of Pforzheim, Germany, and Theresa (Henry) Long of Anchorage, AK; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ludwig & Elsie; husband, Erich in 2011; a brother-in-law, Albert Rehm of Pforzheim, Germany.
A private family memorial service in remembrance of Gretel was held. Inurnment took place in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Memorials to the charity of your choice are appreciated. Myrhum - Patten Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family.