Gone from our sight but never from our hearts, Erna Martha Rose (Ottow) Mainhardt, 101, of Manitowoc, passed away Jan. 20 at her winter home in Green Valley, Arizona.
Erna was born in Watertown on Nov. 24, 1924, to her parents, Herman and Bertha (Boldt) Ottow. She proudly celebrated her 101st birthday this past year, a milestone that reflected her strength, resilience and joyful spirit.
Erna attended grade school in Abrams and graduated from Lena High School. During World War II, she worked in Milwaukee as a supervisor at the A.O. Smith defense plant and, later, five years with Rhea Manufacturing Company.
On Dec. 18, 1948, Erna married Robert G. Mainhardt Sr. in Oconto, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. They lived in Seymour for five years where they managed The Mart, a local clothing store, before moving to Gresham in 1955.
While raising their three children, Erna was active in the PTA, served as a 4-H leader and was a devoted member of St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church and its Altar Society. During the 1970s, she worked alongside her husband as a salesperson.
Erna’s greatest joys in life were simple and heartfelt: loving and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, visiting her sister and nurturing friendships that lasted decades. She enjoyed shopping, cooking, baking and word puzzles. For many years, she was known throughout her Gresham neighborhood for her generosity — shoveling driveways, mowing lawns, tending yards and baking birthday cakes for friends. Prior to Erna’s move to Manitowoc in 2012, her wonderful Gresham neighbors lovingly returned the favor, helping her with those same tasks.
Erna is survived by her three children, Robert (Robin) Mainhardt Jr., Rhinelander, Gloria (John) Creagh, Manitowoc, and Ricia Mainhardt (AJ Janschewitz), St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
She will be deeply missed by her five grandchildren, Jay (Brooke) Creagh, Shorewood, Benjamin (Chris) Creagh, Birchwood Village, Minnesota, Ryan (Jessica) Mainhardt, New Rochelle, New York, Rob (Emily) Mainhardt, Farmington, Minnesota, and Rhea (Matt) Sharbono, Shakopee, Minnesota.
Erna was thrilled to welcome 11 great-grandchildren into her life: Charlotte and Grace Creagh; Elsa and Lewis Creagh; Madeline and Miles Mainhardt; Grady, Graham and Griffin Mainhardt; and Isla and Ivy Sharbono.
She is also survived by her younger sister, Alice (Ronald) Nisk of Clearwater, Florida; many loving nieces and nephews and their families; and countless dear friends.
Erna was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in 1983; her siblings Herbert (Doris) Ottow, Albert (“Buddy” Jeannette) Ottow and Anna (Irving) Hansen.
Erna will be remembered for her loving spirit, her devotion to family and her lifelong habit of helping others without hesitation. Her kindness leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gresham Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 102, Gresham, WI 54128.
A celebration of life will be planned in Wisconsin at a later date.
