Mary A. Rienks, nee Kohler, 90, of West Bend, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2012 at the Samaritan Health Center, West Bend.
She was born on August 27, 1921 in Pardeeville to the late William and Beatrice (nee Glassford) Kohler. She married Henry W. Smith on April 10, 1940 in Pardeeville. Henry passed away in 1970. She then married Bernard Rienks on April 17, 1981 in Sparta. Bernard passed away in 1994.
Mary worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for many years. Throughout her nursing career she worked at various hospitals, nursing homes, a doctor's office, and as a private duty nurse. She enjoyed reading, painting, crocheting, and staying informed on the news and politics.
She is survived by two daughters, Mildred "Millie" (Bob) Tischendorf of Campbellsport, and Betty (Bill) Ciszewski of DeForest; four grandchildren, Daniel (Elena) Tischendorf of Verona, Andrew (Jill) Tischendorf of Campbellsport, Michael (Sue) Tischendorf of Shakapee, MN, and Julieann (Mike) Morin of Chesapeake, VA; six great-grandchildren, Jana (Chase) Randall of Phoenix, AZ, Samantha Morin of Chesapeake, VA, Rebecca Morin of Chesapeake, VA, Jessica Morin of Chesapeake, VA, Ellen Tischendorf of Verona, and Laura Tischendorf of Verona; two great-great-grandchildren, Brody Randall and Brin Randall, both of Phoenix, AZ; a sister, Betty Jean Gastineau of Bentonvile, AR; four brothers, Arthur (June) Kohler of Yuma, AZ, Bill (Ann) Kohler of Oakdale, CA, Carl (Brenda) Kohler of Modesto, CA, and Daniel (Sharon) Kohler of Vinita, OK; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, four children, Rosemary Smith, Kenneth Smith, Dean Smith, and Jerry Smith, a sister, June Garrett, and a brother, Darwin Kohler.
A memorial service in remembrance of Mary will be held on Saturday, March 24 at 3:00 p.m. at the Myrhum - Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St., West Bend. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Mary's cremated remains will be buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sparta.
Mary's family would like to thank the 2nd floor nursing staff and the aides from all the shifts and personnel at the Samaritan Health Center for the wonderful care and kindness they performed. They truly are very dedicated and special people.