Colleen M. Dethloff

Dethloff, Colleen M (nee Pionek). Age 54 years, a resident of Milwaukee, WI, died Saturday, November 19, 2011. Beloved wife and best friend for 35 years to Jeff Dethloff. Loving mom to Ben Dethloff. Dear daughter of (the late) Tom and Kathleen Pionek (Guyant). Cherished sister of Maureen (the late David) Dahl and Tom (Jennifer) Pionek. Favorite daughter-in-law to Wes and Adeline Dethloff, and sister-in-law to Peggy and Don Sindric. Auntie Colleen to D.J., Gabby, Gracie and Nora. Brunch date, shopping partner, hunting buddy, and counselor to close friends, colleagues, cousins, aunts and uncles. Visitation Friday 11am-12:45pm with a funeral service at 1pm at Divine Peace Lutheran Church (3203 S. 76th St.). Private interment. Born November 30, 1956, in Milwaukee, WI. Colleen attended Holy Cross grade school and Solomon Juneau high school on Milwaukee's west side, where she was a true Pioneer: First girl in the family to play organized sports, first girl in deer hunting camp, first to go to college. Colleen met Jeff and they married soon after. Their names were inseparable as they built a home, a family, and a life together. When Ben arrived, she poured her heart into motherhood. She completed her bachelor of arts degree from Alverno College and later joined her husband in the family business. She loved crafts, books, movies, and a really good deal. She loved board games, card games, and good fun of all sorts. She never had a mean word to say. She loved to swim and was renown for her ability to backfloat forever. Colleen was quick to laugh about her misadventures, even when life-threatening. She displayed courage and grace under duress-- more than one should have to in one lifetime. Above all, Colleen truly loved family. She loved talking to family, visiting family, being with family. Of all her firsts, she was first to lend a helping hand and will be so so missed.