Mrs. Vitkus was called home to her Heavenly Father on Friday, Nov. 11, 2005, at the age of 88. She was born in Escanaba, MI on Nov. 23, 1916, the daughter of the late William M. and Hedwidge (nee: Bastian) MacKnight. She moved to Racine in 1927. There she attended St. Rose School and St. Catherine High School. On Nov. 28, 1946, she was united in marriage to Anthony J. Vitkus. She was a longtime member of St. George Catholic Church in Kenosha, and now St. Elizabeth. She was an active member of the parish. Mrs. Vitkus was a member of the Christian Mothers, the Parish Council, the Pro-Life Chairman and a Bingo worker. She was a member of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and a volunteer at St. Catherine Hospital and Woodstock Health Care Center. Surviving are her husband of 58 years, Anthony; their children, Donna (Bruce) Buzzell of Kenosha, Kathy (Louie) Carrillo of Umatilla, FL, John (Margaret) Vitkus of Kenosha, Mark Vitkus of Milwaukee, James (Paula) Vitkus of Tampa, FL, Joseph (Ilene) Vitkus of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; grandchildren, James Aarnio, Darin (Dawn) Aarino, Jason (Tracy) Buzzell, Anthony Buzzell, Karen and Jaclyne Buzzell, Vanessa, Jessica and Crystal Carrillo Aaron (Jill) Vitkus, Kyle, Kevin and Jon Vitkus, Luke and Lauren Vitkus, Courtney Vitkus, Joshua and Rebecca Vitkus; great grandchildren, Nicholas, Lindsey and Terah Aarino, Jason Rachel and Alyssa Buzzell, Jacob and Justin Buzzell, Brianna Vitkus, and Katelyn Vitkus, her brother Oliver MacKnight of Racine. Mrs.Vitkus is further survived by her nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Robert MacKnight, and her sisters Marie Gunderson and Jeanette MacKnight. Her Funeral Mass will be held in St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, on the corner of 48th St. and 8th Ave., on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Roman Stikel officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home Monday, November 14, 2005 from 5 – 8 p.m., and in the Church on Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Private burial will take place at a later date in St. George Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to either St. Elizabeth Catholic Church or St. Joseph High School.
Billy Larrin says
My sympathies go out to Aunt Theresa’s family and her friends. She was my great-aunt and that couldn’t describe her better, Great! I always got a warm feeling when I talked to her or when I thought of her. I will miss her dearly.
Billy
Ellen Rickhoff says
While I never met Theresa, I have always heard wonderful things about her from her granddaughter, Karen, who is my niece. She seemed like a great lady and I am sure she will be sorely missed. Condolences to all family members.
Michael and Sue Trombino says
Dear Kathy and family,
Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you. Our hearts ache for you during this loss. We pray that you will rest in Gods loving arms and that He will comfort you, but we know that your lovingmomis with Jesus now and she is the lucky one. With all our love and heartfelt prayers Love
Mike Sue and Mikey
Trombino
Marie-Josee Parise says
My sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Vitkus. Kathy informs me that her mom is in Heaven. God will bless her. She is at a better place. I met her once and I found her to be a great lady. She was respected by everyone. She has a wonderful legacy in her family that she cherished so much. May God comfort you.
Marie-Josee.
Gail Schladetsch says
I am so sorry about your mommy Cathy. It makes remember when my mommy died. I will continue to pray you and your family.
Rick, Alexander, & Cassandra Ebner says
Aunt Terry will never be gone from our hearts and memories and prayers. All of our deepest sympathies, and love to Uncle Tony, and ALL. Love, Rick(ok, Ricky), Alex, and Cassie Ebner.
The Hennebery Family says
Dear Vitkus family,
Our family extends to each one of you our deepest sympathies. Joe has told us so many wonderful stories about his family and especially his mom and dad. All of you are in our prayers and we know that the Holy Spirit will fill each of you with His sweet Shalom, Shalom, perfect peace.
Jennifer Pawlak says
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless. Love you, Jennifer
Chett and Joyce Hobbs says
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11
Rodney & Lois Ocenosak says
We only knew Kathy and Louie and to them and to all your family we send our condolences. Your mother is now among the angels who protect us here on earth. Peace be with you and your family. Rod & Lois
Lisa Brummond/ MacKnight says
We are so sorry to here about your loss. We have you in our prayers.
God Bless you
Amando and Charmaine Queiroga says
Dear Kathy and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your whole family. May Gods love fill your hearts and be ever present in this difficult time. Your precious Mom is in Gods arms. With great love,
The Queiroga Family
Roberta Brummond says
Ronnie Ansari says
To all of Theresa’s dear children:
Through Donna, I had the plea-sure of meeting your parents, and was immediately touched by the gentle and loving spirit of your Mother, and I certainly see her wonderful ways in those of you that I know.
Being with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was something she looked forward to, and should be of great comfort to all of us at this time. We will miss her so. My prayers and fond thoughts are with all of you at this time.
Eric Leeper says
Our hearts and thoughts are with all of you. You are all in our prayers.
Love from Eric, Christopher & Zachary
Dave and Kim Tassell says
We know how close-knit your family is; it is wonderful to know you have each other for support as well as our Almighty Lord’s tender love.
You have been through a lot, and we are heartsick at your loss, but thank God for your mom’s,your family’s, and your friends’ strong faith to help you through.
Love, David, Kim, Blair, Becca, and Carl
Rona Platt says
May you all gain comfort from knowing that the thoughts of those who love and care about you are with you in this difficult time.
Gail & Joe Staub says
Kathy & Louie:
Our prayers and love go out to you and your family.
God Bless:
Gail & Joe Staub
Kyle & Diane Gillis says
Dear Jim (and the entire Vitkus family)
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of you Mother. Jim, although I never met her, you spoke of her as such an amazing, strong lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Kyle and Diane Gillis
Michelle & Brian Endres says
Dear Cathy and family,
I would like to say I’m so sorry for your loss. There’s no words can express what to say. My payor’s are with you & your family. We love you all!
JoAnn Munro says
Kathy and family- Know that Jesus is next to you, touching your cheek, catching your tears; holding your hand and squeezing it comfortably to say, I am the light and everlasting. I am with you always!
With GREAT LOVE and admiration,
JoAnn Munro
David & Jeannie Reed says
Louie & Kathy,
We are sorry to hear about the loss of Kathy�۪s mom. The hard part that most people have is in the days that follow when you have thoughts of them and realize that you can not call them any more. When I lost my mom it was hard for me to deal with that for a while; but then God sent me a message that made it a lot easier, so I want to share that with you and your family.
He made it clear that the spirit never dies, so although I might not see my mom, or get a vocal response when I call her name, her spirit is as real as the spirit of God, so I learned to communicate with my mom by just talking to her spirit that still lives. From that time on I started speaking to her and now I speak to her often, making many apologies as I grew older and more appreciative of her great spirit and wisdom. So morn your loss it will make you feel good; but then rejoice in spirit through the glory of Christ and speak often to your mom..both of you, all of you,laugh with her, cry with her, and go ahead and admit to her wisdom as you grow older and tell her you are sorry when you do the dumb things she warned you about. I will say a special prayer for all of your family.
In Him
Dave & Jeannie Reed
Ann̩ and Brittany Cartwright says
Kathy, Louie, and the girls and all of Kathy’s family,
I pray for your strength courage and faith at this time of sadness of loss of your precious mom with you here on earth. You are right. She is in heaven. May the Lord Jesus Christ give you peace and grace and mercy to be strong through this trying time and each holiday as it approaches. May you be comforted by your memories, your family and your friends.
love to all of you and May God Bless you, Ann̩ and Brittany Cartwright.
Mario and Liz Jordan says
Dear Kathy and family. There are
no words that can comfort you
during this very sad time. Always
remember the wonderful moments
that you had with your Mom and remember she is in the best place resting and in peace. With God’s faith and guidance you and your family will remain strong. We have you in our prayers. You and Louie and your family inspire so many, take care. We love you.
The Jordan Family
Mario, Liz, Samantha, Priscilla and Mario
Rochelle Darman says
Vitkus Family – My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time to reflect on the wonderful life and spirit of Terry. She was a great lady and I will always remember her and her fabulous carrot cake with great love and affection.
Don & Jan Held says
Louie & Kathy and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your mother was a beautiful lady, Kathy, and we know it isn’t all external. God bless and keep you.
Pamela MacKnight says
Dear Vitkus Family: If ever their was a women who lived and breathed Proverbs 31:10 – 31, it is my dear, sweet Aunt Theresa! What a wonderful women of God. She has always been an inspiration to me and I will miss her dearly. My heart and prayers go out to each of you during this time of parting. I am so pleased that the Lord has all of you so closely knit together through faith. I’m sure it will be the greatest blessing to each of you during the upcoming months & years.
We love you all and wished we could of been there to give you hugs!
God’s Blessings to all of you,
Your cousin,
Pam MacKnight & family –
Todd, Char, Erik, & Zack Cleasby
Chad Cleasby & daughter Angela
Terry & Sandra Townsend says
Dear Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. Although we know they are in heaven it is still so hard. She will always live through you and her family.
Love and God Bless
Sandi & Terry
Annessa Laudonio says
Kevin and Family,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. In the short time that I got to know her, I thought that she was a wonderful person and such a pleasure to be around.