Obituary of Lynne Elizabeth Kreisman

 Lynne Elizabeth Kreisman

 

August 9, 1953 - December 8, 2020

 

Lynne Elizabeth Kreisman, 67, of Woodstock, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at Northwestern Medicine Hospital, in Huntley, IL. Born on August 9, 1953, in Richmond, IN, she was the daughter of Joseph Paul and Barbara Helen (Trueblood) Milleson. At this time Dad was a jeweler with his father at the Milleson Jewelry store and Barbara would soon be returning for her senior year at Earlham College in Richmond. Until graduating in 1954, Barbara’s parents helped care for Lynne, establishing a special bond. Lynne’s family belonged to the Society of Friends (Quaker), with Granddaddy Trueblood serving as a Quaker minister in Richmond.

 

When Lynne was 3, her family, which now included her sister Janet, left cherished grandparents in Richmond and moved to Pennsylvania, then twice in Illinois before finally arriving in Fort Atkinson, WI, in 1962. Dad was now employed as a design engineer, Lynne was in the 4th grade at Caswell School, and the family soon joined the Methodist Church. By this time, Robert, Rebecca and baby Nancy had been added to the family, with Paul arriving four years later, all under Mom’s care at home. The close-knit family of eight enjoyed many memorable camping adventures together, along with countless summer hours on the backyard trapeze that was built by Dad. The most cherished trip was going back to Richmond each year to visit adored grandparents, with their delightful homes just two blocks apart. Lynne was loved for her playful sense of humor, and would light up a room with her smile. She was a wonderful big sister and a loyal friend.  Lynne graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1971, and attended UW-Madison in the fall.

 

Lynne was first married in 1977 (for 23 years) in Fort Atkinson and later moved to Beloit, WI, where she was employed at First National Bank and Trust. Here she began her extensive career in the banking industry, attaining officer and/or managerial positions. Lynne became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Beloit, performing with the handbell choir as well as the Chancel Choir directed by Lois Ulvin, which would remain a cherished part of her life.

 

For several years, Lynne’s health had been deteriorating due to contracting rheumatic fever twice in her younger years. In 1980, she bravely underwent open-heart surgery that replaced her two seriously damaged valves. Although she still had some physical restrictions, she became even more active in the community and excelled in her workplace positions as well. Lynne was very giving of her time and her many creative talents, done with her own special flare, and joyfully shared them with family, friends and various organizations. In 1994, she won the Zonta Club of Beloit “Women in Business Leadership Award” for her contributions both professionally and to the community.

 

Lynne met her future husband, Dan Kreisman, on February 17, 2001, as each had offered to help out mutual dear friends, Donna and Doc Syverson, with a family event. She eventually moved to Woodstock, Illinois, where Dan resided, and secured a job there at American Community Bank. They were married on September 3, 2005. With this union, Lynne happily gained the family she had always wanted, blessed with Dan’s three wonderful children. She loved them as if they were her own, and was ecstatic when they eventually gave them the gift of beautiful grandchildren, which was truly a dream come true for Lynne!

 

Lynne quickly became involved in the Woodstock community. She decided to join Dan and became involved in musicals and plays at the Woodstock Opera House. Whether it was onstage, or behind the scenes, with costumes or sets, she enjoyed using her creative talents. She was on the Board of Directors of TownSquare Players, a member of both the Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission and The Woodstock Professional and Business Women, and a board member of the Woodstock Fine Arts Association. Additionally, Lynne always looked forward to reuniting with the Chancel Choir in Beloit twice a year to sing in the Easter and Christmas Cantatas, with Dan offering his talents as narrator.

 

In 2016, Lynne accepted a position at Golden Eagle Bank of Woodstock, which she enjoyed immensely. It was later bought out by Advia Credit Union, with her last position being branch manager. Even though her health was further deteriorating, a result of her greatly weakened heart, she continued to work full time. On October 10, 2020, she celebrated the 40th anniversary of her valve replacements, which was truly remarkable. Lynne was loved for her generous and caring heart that gave so much to others, but her heart finally stopped on December 8, 2020. Lynne touched so many in her lifetime, and will be dearly missed and remembered for her sweet and lovely spirit by her family, friends and community.

 

Lynne is survived by her loving husband, Daniel Z Kreisman; stepchildren, Todd (Erin) Kreisman, Kim (Rob) Scharlow, and Jordan (Casie) Kreisman; grandchildren, Aiden Scharlow, Oliver Kreisman, and Evelyn Kreisman; dear stepmom, Jeanette Nelson Milleson, along with her extended family; siblings, Janet (Richard) Haas, Robert (Kim) Milleson, Rebecca (Charles) Floyd, Nancy (Greg) Jones, and Paul J. Milleson; godchildren, Melinde Anderson, Brittany Jones, and Robert Haas; many nieces, nephews and other dear relatives and friends; and her sweet pup, Poochini. Lynne has joined her beloved parents and grandparents, and all cherished loved ones who have previously passed.

 

A private burial was held at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, on December 18, 2020. The family is grateful to Nitardy Funeral Home for assisting with the arrangements. We will be celebrating Lynne’s life at a future time.

 

Due to Lynne’s extensive medical bills and Dan’s ongoing medical expenses, a GoFundMe account has been set up under Dan and Lynne.

 

A special thank you to the wonderful nurses in the ICU at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, who gave Lynne such wonderful care for 3 ½ weeks. You are truly appreciated beyond words.

 

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