Della A. Pierner-Elsinger

Della A. (Sadowski) Pierner-Elsinger, age 92

Della's spirit left this earth November 9, 2013, from congestive heart failure. She passed away at the home of her daughter and son-in-law who cared for her the past 5 years.

Della was born February 20, 1921, in Little Suamico on the family homestead. She was the fourth daughter born to Joseph and Anna (Celkowski) Sadowski.
She had many memories of daily chores, picking wild berries, and swapping eggs for flour and spices at the Vickery Grocery store (now Vickery Village).
During her teen years, Della helped with the family farm, tavern, dancehall, and gas pumps. By the time she was sixteen she moved to Green Bay and worked and lived at the 'old' St. Mary's Hospital doing laundry. The money she made helped with the family expenses.
In 1939 Della met and fell in love with Melvin Pierner. They were married October 28, 1939, at St. Willebrord Parish, Green Bay.
Della and her husband owned and operated the Parkway Tavern from 1946-82. She enjoyed time with the patrons and cooking for them. Customers especially loved her soups.

In 1981 Mel passed away and Della began a new way of life. She sold the tavern, bought a home in Green Bay and started 25 years of volunteering at St. Mary's Hospital, Grand Care Nursing home and at St. Vincent De Paul. Her calls to sick or lonely relatives and friends were always appreciated.
Della married Almond J. Elsinger in 1996 at St. John the Baptist in Howard. They had a few good years of companionship and travel before he died.
Della always had an open heart and helping hand when it came to her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Della was so proud of all their accomplishments and would talk about them to anyone who would listen.

She loved family get-togethers, trips up to the cottage, holiday dinners, and a good card game. Della also loved animals. She had many family dogs and as of the last 5 years, a cat and bird. She always fed whatever stray came around and her birdfeeders were always full. A month before she passed, Della commented on, "What a beautiful life I have. I can watch the fish in the pond, see the turkeys roost each night and watch deer grazing in the woods." She was content.

Della's family wants to thank Josie, Dorothy and Gerri for their love and friendship over the past 70 years. Not many friends and relatives are left but you were always a phone call away. Della appreciated her niece Renee for her 'Hello' updates on the phone.

As Della's health failed she was able to participate in new opportunities. She was a participant of N.E.W. Curative Adult Daycare and Mind Movers Programs. Della was excited after a few short weeks to get out of the house and be active in programs suited for her. She had great stories to tell about her new found talent (water color painting) and many craft projects for the community. She was active in these projects until four days before her passing. Thank you to Kathy P. of Insiders and Kathy C. of Mind Movers for their wonderful care. You are truly 'angles' to our loved ones. Then of course there was Brian the Red Cross/Curative bus driver. He always made Della smile and laugh. She looked forward to her bus rides. Last but not least, thank you to Bonnie a C.N.A from Heartland Hospice who cares deeply about her job and patients. Della always looked forward to Bonnie's visits.

Mom, Grandma will be truly missed by all of us. She was an inspiration to us on hard work, home cooking and faith in God. Della was a member of St. John the Baptist Parish in Howard for 67 years.

Della is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mariann and David Kessenich; Grandchildren, Mariel (Anthony) Kessenich-Barreras, Paso Robles, CA; Kristen (Patrick) Rowe, Columbia, SC; Paul (Jeslie) Kessenich, Dallas, TX; and Daniel Kessenich, St. Paul, MN; sisters, Josie (Leo) Kozloski, Virginia Butz, Bernice (Ray) Rukamp, and Jane Cherney all of Green Bay.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Melvin Pierner and Almond Elsinger; sisters and brother-in-laws, Loretta and Jan Koniuszyk, Pauline and Dominic Buonincontro, Frank Butz, Ray Cherney, Frances Golas Krause and Victor Krause.

Della will be buried in the family plot at St. Benedicts Cemetery in Suamico. A private family memorial will be held at a later date when all her grandchildren can be present.