Ethel A. Mandernack, age 91, passed away on March 1st, 2026, at Robin Way Assisted Living.
Ethel was born in Kenosha to parents Clarence and Helen Norgaard. She was raised on the family farm from a young age – she and her siblings were expected to milk the cows before walking to school, and milk them again before starting homework at night. This upbringing taught her the benefits of good old-fashioned hard work and grit, a lesson she carried with her for the rest of her life.
She graduated from Bradford High School and worked a number of different and interesting jobs. Her favorite, however, was her time as a Switchboard Operator for the telephone company. Though the company later left town, she talked often about her love for this dynamic and demanding job.
Ethel’s true focus was raising her family. She was a great homemaker, keeping a clean and orderly home and raising her children the right way. She enjoyed baking and even took a cake decorating class and used that skill to make cakes for all the special occasions for the family – a talent she was very proud of. She also loved reading, quilting, bingo, and was known to enjoy a brandy old-fashioned or two during happy hour.
She also particularly loved spending her winters near her sister in Florida for the last 10 or 12 years.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Gordon Mandernack, in 2012; a sister, Fay Casey; and a son in infancy, Michael.
She is survived by her children, Shelley (Ed) Meyer in Crivitz, Gary (Angela) Mandernack in Kenosha, and Jo Ann (Mark) LaMothe in Kenosha; 3 siblings, Claire Lidik, James (Mary) Norgaard, and Karen Glasman. She is further survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren – all of whom she loved very much.
Services for Ethel will be held at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church (2001 80th Street, Kenosha) on Monday, March 9th at 10 am. Visitation with the family will take place from 9 am until the time of the service. Ethel will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park following the services.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
