Mabel F. Chich

Mabel F. Chich, age 104, of Manawa, went to her heavenly home on Monday, March 13, 2017 at St. Joseph Nursing Home in New London, just 26 days short of her 105th birthday. She was born on April 8, 1912 at Bear Lake, Waupaca County, daughter of the late Otto and Emma (Pelzer) Handrich. On December 19, 1936, she was united in marriage to Louis Albert Chich. He preceded her in death. Mabel was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Manawa where she was active in the ladies aid and their quilters group, where she enjoyed attending bible classes. Mabel loved gardening and baking. Her greatest joy though was her family.

She is survived by her children: Gary (Joyce) Chich, Iola; Shirley Mertes, Portage; grandchildren: James (Darla) Chich, Menominee; Holly Kaczor and fiancée Donald Neiland, Readfield; Dan (Sharon) Mertes, Amherst; Mike (Anne) Mertes, Franklin; great-grandchildren: Ian Polzin, Amherst; Louis (Rhonda) Chich, Iola; Joseph (Casey) Kaczor, Tustin; Jacob Kaczor, Readfield; Katie Kaczor, Readfield; Ella and Ben Mertes, Franklin; Brandon Tetzlaff, Brittany Tetzlaff, Michael Chich, Samuel, Nathaniel and Emma Chich all of Menominee; one great-great-grandson Jonah Chich of Iola. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her twin brother Elmer Handrich, a brother Gordon Handrich and two sisters Viola Olson and Rose Tessen, also a son-in-law Don Mertes.

The funeral service for Mabel will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Manawa with Rev. Nathan Reichle officiating. Burial will be in Little Wolf Cemetery, Town of Little Wolf. A visitation for Mabel will be held at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph Residence for their care and kindness of Mabel.