Lucille A. Piber Obituary
Lucille Ann Piber (nee Ertl), 89 of Oconomowoc, Wis. went home to tend God's Heavenly gardens on November 6, 2023. Lucille (Lu), daughter of George and Mathilda Ertl (nee Ritzinger) was born in Milwaukee, Wis. and was married to Earl Piber for 53 years. They met singing in the St. Michaels' Catholic Church choir. Lu was employed by Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital and retired after many years of service as a nursing assistant/medical technician. As a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Parish, she loved singing praises to our Lord in the church choir. Volunteering was important to Lu. She was involved with many community organizations including Garden Club, Homemakers, St. Jerome's Bazaar Group, Oconomowoc Senior Center, Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital Auxiliary's Style Show and Love Light committees. Lu helped make an abundance of teddy bears with the hospital's sewing team, and remained an active volunteer at the hospital's Gift Box Boutique until her death.
Lu had a zest for life, loved to laugh, and was a big kid at heart. She loved playing games (Splash, Uno Attack, dominoes, Rummikub) with family and her dear friend Kitty. She brought joy to others by sending the perfect greeting card, writing clever notes with beautiful handwriting, and wrapping gifts with coordinating ribbons and bows. Lu always had heirloom candy dishes filled with an assortment of malted milk balls, chocolates or Swedish fish. Having a sweet tooth, some of Lu's favorite recipes included raspberry meringue cookies, Cook & Serve Jell-O pudding (never instant), pumpkin pie and "LU-berry" buckle! Lu was known for her Jell-O molds, crafting perfect works of art for gatherings! Every errand wouldn't be complete without a stop at The Kiltie, Culver's or The Chocolate Factory for a sundae! Her attention to detail was impeccable! Whatever Lu touched gleamed with perfection. From her table centerpieces to planting flowers in gardens, she wanted to share her appreciation for beauty.
Lu is survived by her children Ellen (Clint) Mitchell, Carolyn (Jewell) Piber, Nancy (Kurt) Schmidt, and Ken (Lona) Piber; Grandchildren Kurt Mitchell, Brian (Amanda) Mitchell, William (Jessica) Jewell, Elizabeth (Stephen) Dubus, Nicole Schmidt, Abby (Joe) Morman, Ethan Piber, and Hayden Piber; Great-Grandchildren Evelyn, Oliver, Jackson, and soon-to-arrive baby Mitchell; Sister-in-Law Carol Ertl; Stepsisters Jane (Dale) Tremaine and Anne Weyker, along with many relatives and dear friends.
Lu is preceded in death by her husband, parents, Stepfather Carl Haertel; siblings Delores (John) Mulvanny and James Ertl; Stepbrothers James (Gertrude) Haertel and John (Janyce) Haertel, Stepsister Marilyn (Al) Arndt, and Stepbrother-in-Law Syl Weyker.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 15 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, W359N8512 Brown Street (Hwy. P), Oconomowoc. A private family burial will be held at St. Jerome Cemetery, Oconomowoc.
Please consider memorials to: The Oconomowoc Senior Center, Oconomowoc Silver Streak, St. Catherine's/St. Joan of Arc Catholic Parishes.
Our family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care given by ProHealth Care, especially AngelsGrace Hospice.
In honor of Lu's desire for helping others, and love for one of her favorite foods, please bring a box of Jell-O gelatin, pudding, or canned fruit, to the visitation/Mass to be donated to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry.
When family and friends would leave a gathering, Lu would say a German farewell, thanking them for the cherished good times and safe travels; "Come Good Home!".
