Obituary: Norene Christoffel (nee Kiernan)

Norene Christoffel (nee Kiernan), of Waukesha, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at the age of 88.

Norene was born in East Chicago, Indiana, the daughter of Michael and Evelyn (nee Kennedy) Kiernan. She married Karl Christoffel on June 14, 1947. Before moving to Waukesha 10 years ago, Norene resided in West Allis for nearly 50 years and attended St. Rita Catholic Church. Norene was most recently a member of St. William Catholic Church. She was a truly happy wife, mother and homemaker who enjoyed providing hospitality to her guests. Norene loved cooking and creating a beautiful atmosphere in her home.

Norene was the dearest mother of Greg (Penny) Christoffel of St. Louis, Missouri, Brian (Jane) Christoffel of Thiensville, Wisconsin, Tom (former wife, Pam) Christoffel of Mountain View, California, and Ellen (Mike) Beiermeister of Waukesha, Wisconsin; the cherished grandmother of Stefani (Chad) Schnyder, Kara (Nick) Weaver, Thomas Christoffel, Claire Beiermeister, Laura Beiermeister and Michael Beiermeister; the very proud great-grandmother of Hannah, Grace and Cooper Schnyder and Abby, Sarah and Olivia Weaver; she is also survived by her wonderful in-laws, Peg (the late George) Kiernan, Helen (the late Everett) Christoffel, Walter “Bud” (Leona) Christoffel, Bill (the late Darlene) Christoffel, Norm (Cecelia) Christoffel, and Eleanore (Allan) Juza; and further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Norene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Karl; her parents; her brothers, Jack, Jim and George Kiernan; her sisters, Mary Kiernan, Rose Parker, Eileen Davey, Lucille Salmon and Ellen Blaney.  

A celebration of Norene’s life will take place on Saturday, August 18, 2012. The visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. Memorial Mass at St. William Catholic Church, 440 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188. The Reverend Curt Frederick will officiate the service. The private family burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Milwaukee at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Norene’s name are appreciated by the family to the House of Peace, P.O. Box 05656/1702 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee, WI 53205 or to the Hope Center, 502 N. East Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186.

On behalf of Norene, her children are very grateful for the kindness and care of her physicians, Dr. Gilberto Rodrigues and Dr. Caryn Brownell, and her most special nurses and caregivers of Seasons Hospice and Prestige Health Services, Inc.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family.  For the online obituary or to leave a message of condolence, please visit http://www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com. For more information, please call 262-542-6609.