Charlotte Rose ‘Chuck’ Niederkorn

Charlotte Rose Niederkorn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

Confined to her home for the past two years because of illness, she delighted in the simple things in life.  Family and close friends were central to her, and she looked forward to their visits. But she also cared about the world outside. She would look out her windows and pray for neighbors and the kids playing in the park across the street.  And she would watch the news on TV with tremendous compassion and concern for anyone in pain.

She was born in Port Washington on June 14, 1932, the daughter of Harold Retzer and Emmy Pinnow Retzer. Charlotte grew up in Port Washington, graduating from Port Washington High School in 1950.  

On Oct. 16, 1954, she married John Niederkorn at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington.  

When she was younger, she was full of zest for life. One of the family’s cherished photos was a picture of a young Charlotte at the beach, standing on the shoulders of her husband. Chronic illness gradually robbed her of many of the things she enjoyed, but she always made the best of it. She loved her family more than anything and fought hard until the very end to be with them.

She was immensely proud of her three grandchildren: Emily, Matt and Kyle. When they were little, she attended every holiday concert and all the special ceremonies in their lives.  She always asked for photos of them so that she could share with her friends and was eager to hear about their lives.

She especially loved visits from her two great-grandsons Augie and Ollie. One of her favorite games to play with them was Old Maid. There were always giggles around the table as everyone attempted their best poker-face trying to pass off the losing card! And she cherished their homemade cards and artwork.

A lifelong member of St Mary’s Parish (St. John XXIII), Charlotte loved going to Sunday services. When her body deteriorated to the point where she could no longer attend, she watched Mass on television faithfully each week.
    Chuck is survived by her husband John of Port Washington and her daughter Wendy (Neil) Rismeyer of Saukville.  She is further survived by three grandchildren, Emily (Jason) Luedtke, Matthew (fiancé Anita Gurduta) Rismeyer and Kyle Rismeyer; two great-grandsons, Augie and Ollie Luedtke; her brother-in-law Robert Niederkorn; other relatives; and many friends.  

She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Emmy Retzer.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Tuesday, July 7, at 11 a.m. at St. John XXIII Parish, St. Mary’s Church, Port Washington. Father Patrick Wendt presided over the Mass.  

She was laid to rest at St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, Port Washington.  

A visitation took place at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., on Tuesday the 7th from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Heart of the Nation, which provides weekly televised coverage of the Catholic Mass to those unable to participate at a parish, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the family.  

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank Aurora At Home Hospice and especially her nurse Ashley and her caregiver Casandra for all their loving care and compassion.