Martha M. Kremsreiter

Martha M. Kremsreiter, 99, Athens died Tuesday, October 18, 2016. She was born August 18, 1917 in the town of Rietbrock, daughter of the late John and Martha (Retka) Pietrowski. On July 31, 1935 she married Conrad F. Kremsreiter at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. He proceeded her in death on May 1, 1998. Martha was kind and gentle, yet the "pillar of the family." She was a very caring and compassionate person who always put the needs of others before her own. In stature she was small, but her heart of gold was bigger than life itself. In Martha's life, family came first. She proudly displayed her address book where she carefully tracked all of her children's family lines and birthdates. With the birth of each new family member, her book continued to grow, as her legacy lives on. There was no greater joy in Grandma's life than the love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She held a special spot in her heart for "Little John." She was his biggest fan and loved him unconditionally. Many unforgettable memories were made at the family farm, where Martha welcomed all with her cheerful smile and her famous one-crust apple pie. Traveling, gardening, and doing her yearly Christmas shopping were some of her favorite past times. For many years, she was a member of the St. Mary Altar Society. She also volunteered numerous hours at St. Anthony Catholic School where she enjoyed working with all the students. Martha leaves to cherish her sweet memories - four daughters, Marilyn (Dean) Borofka, Rice Lake; Marlene (Don) Guden, Marshfield; Carol (Jerry) Wagner, Athens; Linda (Greg) Osimitz, Merrill; one son, George (Beverly) Kremsreiter, Tomahawk; one Daughter-in-Law, Nancy Kremsreiter, Hazelhurst; 28 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 22 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Dale Kremsreiter; two great-grandsons, Aydn Peel and Greg Meyers, and her brothers and sisters. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2016 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Rev. George Graham will preside. Inurnment will be at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Wuertzburg. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease; my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don't worry about the falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we're together again." -Author Unknown