Emmy Pigeon

PORTAGE  --  Emmy Pigeon, age 93, of Portage, died on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at Tivoli in Portage, surrounded by love from her family both near and far.  She lived a long and wonderful life.

Emmy was born on January 31, 1923 in Kronenwetter, Marathon Co., Wisconsin, to Frank and Amelia (Dallman) Lorbetske (Lorbiecki).  She married Joseph Pigeon October 4, 1947 at St. James Catholic Church in Wausau, WI, with a reception at the Rib Mt. Ski Chalet.  Emmy and Joe lived in Weston, WI most of their 68 years of marriage.  They recently moved to an apartment in Portage to be near their three daughters.

Emmy had a strong bond with her large family, spending many happy hours and days in Weston, Sugar Camp, and Milwaukee.  She developed an interest in her family history, which included a trip to Poland.  She spent time researching her ancestry by writing to distant cousins and researching records from churches, courthouses and cemeteries.  She wrote a book, “In a New Country” for her family, so they would know and appreciate their heritage.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Carl, Anton, Raymond, and Harry Lorbetske;  her sisters, Bertha DeLonay, Clara Nehring, Lucille DeLonay, Tillie Philipp, Rose Stefonek, Pauline Kunda, Earlyne Connolly, and two infant sisters, Mary and Ann.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Pigeon;  four children, Cathy Brunt (John) of Portage, Joseph M. Pigeon (Theresa) of Schofield, Amy Bedessem (Jon) and Pam Jenkins (Bob), both of Portage;  seven grandchildren, Jonathon Brunt (Sandra), Autumn Pease (Joe), Brianna (Erickson) and Amanda Bedessem, Eric, Ryan, and Brent Jenkins;  five great-grandchildren, Emerson, Emerald, and Lane Pease, Tristan and Sophia Brunt.  Emmy was excited to hear the news from Brianna that there would be another great-grandchild in August.  She is also survived by her loving sister, Evelyn Wendorf, and her special and dear twin sister Elly Eckert, both of Hartford, WI;  her godchildren, Vern Stefonek, Greg Eckert, Gail Maney and Suzanne Lawrence;  and also her wonderful nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild, WI.  Inurnment will be private at The Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the church.

A special “Thank You” to Dr. Brenda Blohm and the attentive and supportive staff at both Divine Savior Hospital and Tivoli, for the care given to Emmy and her family.

We will always remember our Mother’s beautiful smile…..  Her smile was made of sunshine and her heart was solid gold.

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.