Obituary: Elizabeth (Liz) Ann Kilishek (nee Solberg)

Elizabeth (Liz) Ann Kilishek (nee Solberg), age 91 of Forest Jct., went home to the loving embrace of our heavenly Father on Friday, Oct. 20 at Abridge Care Concepts, Chilton.

Elizabeth was born in 1932, at her parent’s (Isaac and Margaret (Derks) Solberg) home in Kaukauna.

As the third oldest amongst 12 children in her family, she enjoyed playing outside, helping her Mother with household duties, fishing and singing. One of her fondest memories was ‘pulling’ homemade taffy with her parents and siblings. She also enjoyed ice skating – loved to play ‘Crack the Whip’ with her older brothers Gerald and Donny. In grade school, she attended Mass daily at Holy Cross Church and upon Confirmation, took the name Loretta. She enjoyed visiting with her elder relatives and neighbors. One of her favorite jobs was working at Hilltop Bakery in Kaukauna.

On October 13, 1953 she married her ‘Soldier Boy’ Richard Kilishek, Sr. Love at first sight, for both of them, they married while Richard was home on leave from the Army.

Together they raised seven children. They traveled to many places including several trips to Canada. They loved to fish, cross-country ski and snowmobile. They enjoyed local taverns to meet with friends and listen to good country music. Two of Liz’s brothers entertain (Danny Darren and Bobby Darren) and she enjoyed singing with both. She was very proud of them and the musical heritage her parents passed on to their whole family. She often said she and her siblings were born with a fishing pole in one hand and a guitar in the other.

Liz prepared delicious meals for her family with a favorite being her chili. Baked goods were always bountiful, especially in her later years. She loved being busy. Always said she was born on ‘Labor Day’, “Can’t keep a good woman down” and “I’m from the old school” She enjoyed flower gardening and occasionally playing her harmonica.

Liz felt her children each had special gifts she enjoyed: Jeffrey (singing & playing guitar and bass), Richard Jr (keeping her up to date with sports scores - Packers and Brewers), Greg (Decorating home and yard for Christmas and landscaping), Terrance (songwriting) Patty (Mom’s helpmate thru all the years) Michael (humorous-so many good laughs) and Sheila (singing).

Liz was happy to record some 45 records back in the late 70s, with an area favorite being ‘How Far is Heaven’ (with daughter Sheila), under the name: Sheila Marie & Lisa Lee. A few years later, Liz was so pleased to be able to meet Kitty Wells (her favorite singer) and give her a copy of the record. She and Richard also gifted her Mother to record a beautiful song ‘Rocking Alone in an old Rocking Chair’.

Liz always said she had two dreams in life: meet Country Music star, Roy Acuff and sing on the Grand Ole Opry. In 1992, with the help of son Terrance and daughter Patty, the dreams came close: She was able to be backstage on the Grand Ole Opry and got her photo taken with Roy Acuff as well as several other of her favorite singers.

Liz was an avid Packer fan and especially admired Donald Driver. In 2006 she met him with hugs and cookies she baked for him.

June 23, 2000 Liz and Richard renewed their vows with a Church Wedding at Holy Cross, celebrating 47 years. It was a beautiful celebration planned as a surprise for them from their son, Gregory.

Liz was extremely proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She tried to help guide them with witty one-liners and words of wisdom. She could always be counted on to bring a smile.

Liz is survived by her children: Jeffrey Solberg of Fond du Lac, Richard Kilishek Jr (Barb) of Appleton, Gregory Kilishek of Portland, Maine, Terrance (Annette) Kilishek of Kaukauna, Patricia Kilishek of Shiocton, Michael Kilishek of Oshkosh and Sheila Kilishek of Forest Jct.

Her grandchildren: John (Sarah) Rozek, Jason Solberg, Wesley Solberg, Jeff (Ashley) Solberg, Travis (Briana) Solberg, Virginia Kilishek, Shaun Kilishek, Christopher Kilishek, Douglas Kilishek, Amanda Kilishek, and Heath Kilishek, Angela Kilishek, Justin Kilishek, Ashley Kilishek, Rachel Kilishek, and Holly Kilishek.

Great-Grandchildren: Lance Kilishek, Evan Sell, Leonardo Vigo, Gabriel Vigo , Tyler Solberg, Matthew Mitchell, Lucas Kilishek, Lily Zenisek, Hailey Solberg, Cameron Lane, Dakota Welter, Bailie Welter, Aarin Welter and Oliver Rozek.

Further survived by her siblings (whom she enjoyed spending time with): Marge Bigford of Dale, Daniel of New London, Richard (Margie) of Little Chute, Ronald (Ruth) of Hortonville, John of Weyauwega, Raymond (Marlene) of Appleton, Carol (Robert) Romportl, Vincent (Sandy Shirley) of Weyauwega, Robert (Julie Stickney) of Kaukauna, and Debra Solberg of Kaukauna.

Further survived by numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends: Cindy (Ruh) Borchardt who was considered ‘daughter #3’ and Jeff Kopidlansky considered ‘son’ #6. Liz is also survived by her constant companion - family pet, Fluffy.

Preceded in death by husband, Richard; her parents: her in-laws: Sylvester and Delores Kilishek, daughter-in-law: Phyllis Solberg; brothers: Gerald (Gloria) Solberg and Donald (Josephine) Solberg; sisters-in-law: Connie Solberg, Ada “Rita” Schilts, Mary (George) Smith, Jan (Sylvester “Kelly”) Kilishek, Jr, Betty Schumacher; grandson: Joshua Solberg; granddaughter-in-law: Gwen Solberg; nephews: Klint Solberg, Kurt Solberg, Brian Solberg, James Solberg, nieces: Marilyn Solberg, Telisa Solberg, and Crystal Solberg; great-niece: Allison Heegeman; and great-nephew: Jevon Lemke.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sherwood. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Michael Betley. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Kaukauna.

Visitation will be Friday evening, October 27, 2023 at the Pielhop Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be led by Diane Wickersheim, held at 7:00 p.m. The visitation will Saturday morning continue at Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

The family would like to thank Uncle Raymond for numerous visits for the last several years, granddaughter: Holly for her loving care at Abridge along with the rest of the staff, Hospice Staff, especially Anna for her compassionate care, and Patty and Sheila for their loving and faithful caretaking. Mom and Dad are now together forever.

A wife, a mother, a grandma too,

This is the legacy we have from you.

You taught us how to love and how to fight,

You gave us strength, you gave us might.

A stronger person would be hard to find,

And in your heart, you were always kind.

You fought for us all in one way or another,

Not just as a wife, not just as a mother.

For all of us, you gave your best,

Now the time has come for you to rest.

So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep,

Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep.

(Author Unknown)

Online condolences may made at www.pielhopwieting.com

The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.