Byrnece Margaret Riesterer, 97, of St. Nazianz, passed away on Friday, October 14, 2022 at Rivers Bend Health Services, Manitowoc.
Byrnece was born on April 16, 1925 on the family homestead in rural Manitowoc to Edward and Margaret (Kaufman) Eisner. She enjoyed growing up on the family farm and told many stories about it. She attended school in Manitowoc. At the age of 16, she had her first job as a housekeeper for a family in Manitowoc. She was proud of the work she did at Aluminum Goods Mfg. Co. during WWII making ammo boxes. She held part time jobs occasionally while raising her family including many years at Meyer’s Supper Club as a cook. Her last job was at Pine River Pre-Pack in the shipping dept. After retirement, she volunteered at Salvatorian Mission in New Holstein and at the Nutrition Site/Meals on Wheels in St. Nazianz. In her 97 years, she saw many changes in the world including new inventions, medical advances, hairstyles, clothing styles, and life changes. She had many good friends over her lifetime.
She would readily tell you her biggest accomplishment and the best times of her life were raising her kids and watching them grow. Luckily that followed through to her grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids. We’re all better to have had her in our lives.
Mom loved playing cards, cooking, baking, canning, crocheting, quilting, and gardening, especially flowers.
Byrnece is survived by her pride and joy, her children, Jim and Fay Riesterer of Appleton, Chuck Riesterer of St. Nazianz, Gary Riesterer of St. Nazianz, Annette and Bill Lehman of Whitelaw, and Nancy and Doug Sy of Valders.
Also surviving are grandchildren and their spouses, Jeff Riesterer, Greg and Rebecca Riesterer, Allen and Nicole Riesterer, Pam Riesterer, Shelly Liesch, Renee and Tom Keltesch, Shannon Buchner and fiancé Craig Rozmarynowski, Joy and Scott Lee, Jana and Justin Blackchief, Kristi and Tom Hebert, Kim and Mike Houseye, Lisa Lehman, Casy Sy and fiancé Shawn Olson, Brandon and Tanya Sy.
Also great-children and their spouses, Nicholas, Benjamin Riesterer; Ethan, Katelyn, Colton, Jackson Riesterer; Justin and Taylor Mertzig, Samantha and Kyle Reynolds; Emily and Joseph Gorgas; Clayton and Marissa Keltesch, Megan Keltesch and friend Brandon; Jacob Buchner and friend Megan, Madalynn Buchner and friend Michael; Samantha Lee; Nathan, Mia, Max Hebert; Mya, Calla Houseye; Gwendolyn, Keegan Olson; Wyatt Sy. Great-great-grandchildren include Ryker Mertzig, Delilah Moore, Burton Reynolds.
Preceding her in death were her daughter, Janice, daughters in-law Bonita and Debbie, grandsons Jesse and Jason Riesterer, and Randall Lehman.
Her brothers and sister in-law Lloyd and Leona Eisner, Paul and Alice Eisner, Vernon and Marcy Eisner, and sister and brother in-law Jeanette and Norbert Herrmann, and brother in-law and sister in-law Jerome and MaryAnn Riesterer. Her mother and father in-law Elizabeth and Peter Riesterer, along with other relatives and friends.
Mom lived a long, full, joyful life, and we miss her terribly. Her wish was for us all to live happy lives.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at St. Gregory Catholic Church, St. Nazianz.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at St. Gregory Catholic Church, St. Nazianz. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will the Rev. William Brunner with burial to follow at St. Gregory Catholic Cemetery, St. Nazianz.
Her family would like to thank the Valders Ambulance, St. Nazianz First Responders, Holy Family ER staff, 5th floor nursing staff, Rivers Bend, and especially ProMedica Hospice Care for their help in her last days. And a big hug goes out to Mary Olig for her caring, thoughtful ways.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lendmanfh.com.
Lendman Funeral Home and Gathering Center in Manitowoc assisted with funeral arrangements.
