In honor and remembrance of Norman and Virginia, our parents who we will always love
Virginia Lieske
Virginia Mary (Bartoszewski) Lieske, 88, was born July 02, 1929 and passed away peacefully at her residence, on Aug 26, 2017 with all four of her children at her side. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Norman Lieske, and her brother Gilbert and sister Gloria.
Mom will be missed by sisters Eleanore and Grace, her children Steve (Sandy) Lieske, Diane (David) Minerath, Mike (Kathryn) Lieske, Lorri (Keith) Bergemann, 11 grandchildren and 5 great- grandchildren.
Virginia, known to friends and colleagues as “Ginny”, was an elementary school teacher for 36 years. Her career began in the Catholic school system where she taught at St. John’s, St. Gregory the Great and Blessed Sacrament. Later she moved to the Milwaukee public school system where she taught at Walt Whitman, Cooper, and Green Bay Avenue Elementary schools.
Ginny Lieske’s passion for teaching created the environment for students to excel. To this day her students continue to express their appreciation for the impact “Mrs. Lieske” has had on their lives
After retiring, she enjoyed crafts, especially knitting and crocheting, cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers and late-night crossword puzzles.
Virginia was a Christian woman who studied her Bible and had a fervent prayer life. She was a loving wife and caring mother who shared her gentle advice, infectious laugh and generous heart.
Norman Lieske
Born January 29, 1926 and passed away peacefully at home among family, on July 3, 2015 at the age of 89. He will be missed by his beloved wife Virginia of 62 years, sisters Shirley, Audrey, Gloria, Toni, Connie and Patricia. His children Steve (Sandy), Diane (David) Minerath, Michael (Kathryn), Lorri (Keith) Bergemann, 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren
Norm was a proud WWII Army/Air Force veteran who flew bomber missions over Germany as a tail gunner in a B24 Liberator. He was awarded the Air Medal for his service.
Norman was a loving husband, a caring father and a man of humility and kindness.
My Dad - My Real American Hero
He was the tall lanky guy squeezed into the tiny compartment in the tail of the bomber.
He was brave.
He was the handsome groom with an amazing smile in the pictures at our childhood home.
He was beautiful.
He was “Mrs. Lieske's husband” when he encountered mom's students at the grocery store, and instead of feeling overlooked himself, he would smile and be so proud of my mom for being a teacher.
He was humble.
He was THE dad that no one was afraid to call at midnight when you and a car load of your teenage friends were in a car accident or the new mustang that was the family car you were driving was stolen.
He was loving.
He could make you feel like a princess or movie star when you walked into the room by the way he happily spoke your name.
He was kind.
He loved having conversations about calculus and quantum mechanics, the universe and history, yet somehow managed to discuss at your level --- teaching you something before you even knew it. He had so many books in his office there was barely room for his chair.
He was brilliant.
During the last five weeks of his life. He never once complained. Instead while I stayed with him he reassured me he was ok and that I should not worry.
He was truly brave.
These qualities are how my dad lived. I miss the sound of his voice. I miss my hero.
Good Bye Dad. I love you. Diane