Posted: July 14, 2009 |(0) Comments

Eileen Dreske of Elm Grove died June 23, 2009, after a long fight with cancer.

Eileen was an avid traveler, with many adventures with her late husband, George, from Alaska to Europe to traveling down the Amazon. Later in life she enjoyed calmer travels with her dear friends.

Eileen was always excited to learn about new cultures and places. Because of her deep faith she traveled to Lourdes, France, seeking a cure for her bone cancer. She was cancer free for 12 years. She was also at peace during that trip to travel to Metz, France, where her brother Amil's platoon was honored for their service in World War II. It brought her great comfort to be in the presence of the memorial to the Ironmen of Metz.

Eileen loved to stay busy and even tried tai chi and rode the stationary bike at San Camillo. Despite her health declining over the years, she was ingenious at how she adapted to her blindness and aging. Eileen enjoyed books on tape or great conservation with family and friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Nora Dreske, and their daughters, Heather Dreske and Brooke (Dennis) Fadeski; daughter Karen Wiggins and her children, Jennifer (Keith) Heinzelman and Jason Wiggins; daughter-in-law Peggy Dreske and sons Jake (Lisa) Dreske and Jarrod Dreske; great-grandchildren, Lauren and Nick Heinzelman, Paige and Dillon Dreske and Addison Fradeski; brother, Al (Joyce) Marusinec; other relatives and friends, including Mary Aliota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Frances and Emil; husband, George; and son, Kenneth.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 29 at San Camillo Chapel, Wauwatosa. Private burial was at St. Mary's Cemetery, Elm Grove.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Camillus Foundation or the Macular Degeneration Foundation.

Becker Ritter Funeral Home handled the arrangements.