Fredonia resident Cecilia H. “Cece” Preisler died Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the Hilltop View residential care facility in Fredonia, WI. She was 83 years old.
Mrs. Preisler was born on May 14, 1931 in Port Washington, WI; daughter of John L. “J.L.” and Cecilia Lecher Schmit. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Port Washington and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy High School in Prairie du Chien in 1949. She went on to complete her nursing degree in 1952 at St. Mary’s Nursing School in Madison.
On June 2, 1956, Cece married Harold “Harry” Preisler at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington. For many years, the Preisler’s lived on South Milwaukee Street in Fredonia. He preceded her in death on February 25, 2009. After Harry’s passing, Cece and her daughter Ann lived at Gables on the Pond in Random Lake for a few years, recently returning to Hilltop View in Fredonia.
Cece will be remembered for her abundant love of family-the care of her husband, children, grandchildren and many foster babies. She was a registered nurse in Obstetrics at the former St. Alphonsus Hospital in Port Washington for almost 30 years. She loved her work as a labor and delivery nurse to the many mothers and their babies. She enjoyed teaching prenatal birthing classes; providing strength and humor during an unnerving time for many first time parents.
Over the years, she had been active with St. Rose Parish Ladies Sodality. She was instrumental in what became the Portal Industries of Grafton when she worked with Saukville resident Betty Lubahn at the Knellsville Town Hall on behalf of her daughter Ann and others.
She is survived by her four children; John (Cindy) Preisler, David (Lori) Preisler, Ann Preisler and Scott (Brenda) Preisler, all of Fredonia; eight grandchildren Stacy (Tim) Huegerich, Julie, Brian (Kristin), Sean, Matthew, Amber, Ashley and Mitchell Preisler and two great-grandchildren Isaiah and Ignatius Huegerich.
Cece is further survived by her sisters Ruth (Jim) Lorge and Barbara Bichler, both of Port Washington, her brother Donald (Audrey) Schmit of Scotsdale, AZ, her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Betty Lanser, Gerald and Marilyn Prom and Richard and JoAnn Paulus, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband Harry, she is preceded in death by her son Michael, her brothers and their wives Elmer and Lucille Schmit and Robert and Harriet Schmit, her sister and her husband Marion and Frank “Puch” Pujanauski and brothers-in-law Donald Preisler and Al Lanser.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11AM Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Divine Savior Parish-St. Rose Chapel in Fredonia. Reverend Todd Budde will be the celebrant. Visitation will take place from 9-11AM Saturday AT CHURCH. Interment will be in St. Rose Cemetery in Fredonia. The family has suggested memorials to the Portal Industries, Grafton or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Mrs. Preisler was the kindest and most compassionate OB nurse that I had the good fortune to meet at St. Al’s.She always seemed to remember me when I would see her in later years. Our sincere sympathies to your family and know that we hold you all in our throughts and prayers.
Marie and Gary Zirbes
CECE SCHMIT PREISLER WAS MY SISTER AND AUDREY WAS HER BIG SISTER AT ST MARY’S NURSING SCHOOL IN MADISON. WE HAD MANY GOOD FAMILY GET TOGETHERS ESPECIALLY AFTER AUDREY AND DON GOT MARRIED.
Dave and Lori, so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you rest easy knowing that she is in a better place. Our love Larry and June
I worked with Cece on the Night Shift for many years. Can still picture her in the nursery @ St. Alphonsus Hospital knitting hats (while the babies slept). She “LOVED” those babies and they were well cared for. God Bless You from all who were inspired by your caring disposition – you were a wonderful representative and shining example of our nursing profession. Pat Uselding