Eileen Duenkel

Eileen M. Duenkel, nee Collien, of West Bend joined her husband Albert on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, at the age of 91 years. 

Albert preceded her in death on May 25, 2002.

She was born on July 19, 1929, in Mayville to the late William and Margaret (nee Ries) Collien.

On May 15, 1954, she was united in marriage to Albert C. Duenkel at Holy Angels Catholic Church, and the couple had three children. 

The family moved from West Bend to Port Washington in 1970. 

She was a long-time employee of Port Washington Savings and Loan until her retirement. Later, the couple moved back to West Bend in 1992.

For many years, she volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

She enjoyed golfing, bowling and being a part of her card and Homemaker’s clubs. She was also a passionate Brewers and Packers fan.  She loved sending cards to her grandchildren and never missed a holiday.

Survivors include three children, Gerald (Maureen) of Grafton, Kathleen (Jack) Kyzer of Holden Beach, N.C., and Diane (Barry) Newton of Peachtree City, Ga.; six grandchildren, Eric (Priscilla), Carissa, Emily (Anthony) Luciano, Chapin (Cody) Thomas, Kaleigh (James) Toay and Hannah Newton; two great-grandchildren, Gus and Rusty Luciano, and one more great-grandson (Sebastian Toay) on the way; one sister, Jeanne Lauson; one sister-in-law, Phyllis Duenkel of West Bend; special niece Joanne Heisdorf; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one sister, Arlene Schmidt; nine brothers-in-law, Chet Schmidt, Robert Lauson, Arthur Duenkel Jr., Edward Duenkel, Ralph Duenkel, Carl Duenkel, Joseph Duenkel, Walter Frings and Theodore Bruesch; and five sisters-in-law, Myrtle Duenkel, Dorothy Duenkel, Audrey Duenkel, Marie Frings and Ruth Bruesch.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at noon at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  Entombment followed at Washington County Memorial Park. 

The family greeted relatives and friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:30 until 11:45 a.m.

If desired, memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or the St. Mary’s Endowment Fund.

Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family. Messages of comfort and condolence for the family may be left in an online guestbook and condolences available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.