Catherine Marie “Tweet” Hafemeister (n‘ee Bertling), passed away on November 15, 2023, just twelve days shy of her 101st birthday.
Catherine was born in Bay View, Milwaukee on November 27, 1922 to John and Alice Bertling (who affectionately called her Tweet, a nickname her friends continued to call her). She attended Fernwood Grade School and graduated from Bay View High School.
She married John Hafemeister, the start of a 50-year love story which was blessed with two daughters, Carol and Susan. During their many years together they enjoyed traveling the world and shared a passion for visiting artist studios and filling their home with found treasures.
The family lived in Bay View until 1955, then moved to Hales Corners. Catherine was involved in the Hales Corners community for the rest of her life, as President of the Hales Corners Women’s Club, President of the Garden Club, Meals on Wheels delivery, PTA, and as a Girl Scout leader.
She and John were members of Ascension Lutheran Church since 1945, where Catherine was involved in the women’s guild, bible study, buyer of the Church Gift Shop. Her faith was always a key driver of the depth of her personality and daily devotions were a routine.
At age 75, she married her second husband, George Christensen, a childhood friend and loved her new extended family. They were married for 23 years.
‘Tweet’ was called a gracious and generous friend to many. She was very social, loved entertaining, a wonderful cook and baker, and presented a beautiful home. In addition, she was talented in arts and crafts, was an avid gardener, full of energy, and always made family and friends her top priority. She loved her birds (cardinals were her favorite), and her bird feeders. Tweet was an avid card player: canasta, bridge, sheepshead, later loved to play bingo. She kept busy with golf and loved playing games when she was able to get together with friends. She was always ready for new adventures and always moving forward, with a positive attitude.
Catherine is survived by her adoring daughters Carol (Morry) Sapoznik and Susan (Bill) Lo Presti, beloved grandson Charles and his partner Malia, and precious new great-granddaughter, Kaileia, as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice, husbands John and George and sister MaryAlice Grieshaber.
The family would like to thank the staff at Harbor Village, Greendale, for their friendship and caring. We also thank the entire group (nursing, social work, management, physical therapy, nursing assistants, and nurturing team) at Hales Corners Care Center for their love and dedicated care of Catherine. They are truly exceptional people with warm hearts.
Funeral Service to take place at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin, with a visitation from 10:30 AM until the time of service. Burial to follow at Arlington Park Cemetery in Greenfield, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations appreciated to Ascension Lutheran Church, 1236 South Layton Blvd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53215.
We are richer, having this gentle spirit among us. You will be missed.
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CJ Malia Kaileia
left a message on November 18, 2023:
