Christine Elizabeth Derfus

Christine Derfus, age 65, of Greenwood, WI died Thursday, August 04, 2011 in the Palliative Care Unit of St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, WI.Christine Elizabeth Derfus was born on November 19, 1945 in Milwaukee, WI the daughter of Henry and Stephanie (Clarini) Strieter. She attended school in Milwaukee at St. Michael's Catholic Grade School and South Division High School, graduating in 1964. She then worked in Milwaukee for a few years first as a secretary at an attorney's office and later in customer service at a jewelry store. On August 23, 1978 she was united in marriage to Eugene Derfus in Medford, WI. They owned and operated a dairy farm in Colby, WI from 1972 to 1994 and in Greenwood, WI from 1994 until their retirement in 2000, when they sold the farm to their son.Christine was a member of the Weston Homemakers club. She enjoyed crocheting, the casino, bingo, cooking and fishing. Most of all, however, she enjoyed being with her family and watching her grandchildren.She is survived by her husband, Eugene, a daughter, Deborah (David) Miller of Dorchester, WI, a son, Gene (Jill) Derfus of Greenwood, WI, eight grandchildren, Sierra, Andrew, Jacob and Sydney Miller all of Dorchester, WI and Nicholas, Zachary, Brandon and Brady Derfus all of Greenwood, WI. Christine is also survived by three sisters, Laura Krahn of Tonopa, AZ, Margaret (Mark) Makowski of Milwaukee, WI and Judith (Dave) Jungbluth of Phoenix, AZ, a brother, Robert (Mary Ellen) Strieter of Milwaukee, WI, a sister-in-law, Sharon Strieter of Milwaukee, WI and several nieces, nephews and cousins.She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, William Strieter and a brother-in-law, Gary Krahn.A Mass of Christian Burial for Christine will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville. The Celebrant will be Rev. Varkey V. Joseph. Music will be provided by Ronald Resong, organist and St. Mary's Choir. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, with a 7:30 p.m., Prayer Service at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, at the Church.Honorary Casket Bearers are: Sydney Miller, Sierra Miller, Nicholas Derfus, Zachary Derfus, Brandon Derfus and Brady Derfus.Casket Bearers are: Andrew Miller, Jacob Miller, David Miller, Brian Atchison, Robert Strieter, James Makowski, Matthew Janke and David Fischer.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456