Obituary

Ilamae "Ila" B. Gaynor (Nee Stephani)

February 20, 1935 – October 29, 2023

Ilamae "Ila" B. Gaynor of West Bend, formerly of Slinger, was born to eternal life on October 29, 2023 at the age of 88.

Ila, as she was affectionately known to family and friends, lived a full life and was a woman of grace, warmth, adventure, and unwavering love. Her presence was a source of strength and comfort to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was born on February 20, 1935, in Black Creek, Wisconsin, and throughout her life, she touched the lives of countless people with her kindness, compassion and patience.

Ila grew up on the family farm in Black Creek, Wisconsin, where she helped her father with the farm's daily operation. After graduating from Seymour High School, Ila went to college at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, where she met her future husband, John "Jack" and graduated from the School of Education. On June 29, 1957, Ila and Jack married, bought a lot, and built their family home in Cedar Lake Hills near Big Cedar Lake in Slinger, Wisconsin. There they raised their six children. After their youngest child entered elementary school, Ila enrolled in graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she earned her master's degree in education. Ila taught for many years in the West Bend and Milwaukee school districts.

After retiring from teaching, Ila stayed active. She enjoyed traveling with Jack and the grandkids, volunteering at St. Peter Catholic Church and serving substitute teacher when needed. Along with Jack, Ila was active in the Slinger/Allenton Rotary Youth Exchange; she and Jack often hosted exchange students in their home. Ila belonged to many groups and organizations including the Wisconsin Friendship Chorus, Cedar Lake Hills Association, Washington County

Association for Home and Community Education (HCE), St. Peter's Christian Women, St. Peter's choir, and numerous card groups.

Ila was devoted to her family. She dedicated herself to nurturing her children and ensuring their happiness. Her wisdom, guidance and patience will forever be remembered and cherished.

Ila was a source of inspiration to those around her. She was a lifelong learner, always eager to expand her knowledge and skills. She was a talented teacher, musician, and singer using her talents to make a positive impact on the lives of those she served.

Ila is survived by her 6 children, Michael (Kathryn Hipple), Susan (Thomas) Kapke, Scott (Josie) Gaynor, Linda (Brian) Krause, Elizabeth (Scott) Sterman, and William (Becky) Gaynor, her 16 grandchildren, Joshua Wolf, Jonathan (Theresa) Kapke, Justin (Nicole) Kapke, Jessica (Alexander) Klassen, Jennifer Gaynor, John Ace Gaynor, Jamiee (Jade) Baily, Alicia Gaynor (Samuel Sherwood), Bradley (Julie) Gaynor, Dana Mueller (Michael Arthur), Aaron Krause, Nathan Krause, Nicolas (Rachel) Sterman, Abby Sterman, John Gaynor, and Emily Gaynor, and 12 great-grandchildren, Charlie Henderson-Wolf, Norah Kapke, Leo Kapke, Ben Kapke, Maci Klasson, Margot Klasson, Jaxson Gaynor, Bella Gaynor, Theodore Arthur, Jackson Arthur, Georgia Sterman, and Harriet Lee Gaynor Sherwood.

Other survivors include sisters Carol Wagner, Judy Slania, Lynne (Rodney) Gabrielson, Janice (Colin) Turner, brother Gary (Susan) Stephani, and sister-in-law, Mary Stephani.

Ila was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, (they were married for 56 years), her parents, Leo and Ethel Stephani, stepmother, Viola Stephani, daughter-in-law, Stephanie Gaynor, sisters, Marilyn Stephani and Janice Ann Stephani, brother, Jack Stephani, brothers-in-law, Duane Wagner, Andy Slania and John DePrey, and sisters-in-law, Pat DePrey and Kathleen Ferris.

The loss is immeasurable but so is the love left behind.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Cottages at Cedar Community, N3, especially Tammy, for the loving support and care of Ila during her stay there. In addition, a special thanks to Dr. Renee Jahnke and her nurse practitioner, Ronael Schneeberger, for their care of Ila.

A celebration of Ila's life will be held on November 3, 2023 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 200 E. Washington St., Slinger, Wisconsin, with visitation from 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM and a Mass of Christian burial at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Peter Catholic Church Endowment Fund are appreciated.

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