Louise Ann Reading MacPhetridge

Louise Ann Reading MacPhetridge, 93, of Sturgeon Bay, was called Home to be with the Lord, Sunday evening, April 13, 2025 at Serenity Springs Senior Living at Scandia Village in Sister Bay.

She was born March 1, 1932 in Milwaukee, the daughter of Elmer William Reading and Blanche Catherine (Sudtelgte) Reading. Louise grew up attending St. Sebastian Parish and School in Milwaukee. She graduated from Messmer High School in Milwaukee with the class of 1949. Louise went on to study elementary education at Marquette University in Milwaukee where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1953.

She met Lee Robert Polacheck at Marquette and they were united in marriage on June 19, 1954 at her home church, St. Sebastian. Together, Louise and Lee resided in Elm Grove. They were blessed with six children: Mary, Gregory, Joseph, Jane, Lee, and David.

Louise was initially employed with Milwaukee Public Schools as 1st grade teacher at Doerfler Elementary School on the north side.

She married James J. MacPhetridge at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waukesha on July 19, 1980. Together, they lived in Waukesha. Louise eventually attended St. William Catholic Church in Waukesha.

She continued her studies in education at Alverno College in Milwaukee. Louise was a substitute teacher within the Waukesha School System for seven years during the 1990s. Jim preceded her in death on August 18, 2000.

Louise moved to Door County in 2004 and resided in Sister Bay. She attended St. Rosalia Catholic Church in Sister Bay before moving to Sturgeon Bay and joining St. Joseph Parish.

Louise's faith was especially important to her. She was a member of the Sodality/Christian Women's groups in each of the parishes and schools she attended. She loved music and played the piano and sang throughout her life. Louise sang in the choirs at St. William and St. Joseph. Her family meant the world to her, and she cherished the time she spent with them, especially her grandchildren.

Louise's love will live on in the hearts of her children, Mary (Michael) Mead of Ellison Bay, Gregory (Maribeth) Polacheck of Lake Mills, Joseph (Kathleen) Polacheck of the Town of Sevastopol, Jane (Tom) Faella, of the Town of Sevastopol, Lee (Elizabeth) Polacheck, Jr. of Green Bay, and David (Michelle) Polacheck of Franklin; grandchildren, Rachael (Dave) Taylor, Cassandra (Stephen) Farina, Jamie (Matt Chambas) Mead, and Shannon (Elliott) Thieme, David M. Polacheck, Elizabeth (Ryan) Longsdorf and Mckenzie (Michael) Cremer, Lena (Satari Spiller) Faella, Joseph Faella, Erin (Al Hoo) Faella, Katie (Leigha Warner) Polacheck and Claire Polacheck, and Tess Polacheck; great-grandchildren, Ellision and Ruby, Salvatore and Rosemary, Kiera and Elise, Scarlett, Maren, and Jamier; sisters-in-law, Nancy Schmidt Radloff, Linda (Greg) Foglia, and Donna (Robert) Joas; other relatives; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; siblings, Louis (Janice; Bernice) Reading, Marie (Jim) Condran, Rita (Edward) Lofy, and Eileen (Charles) Gerlach, and Barbara (David) Hartnett; brother-in-law, Robert MacPhetridge; and other relatives.

Louise's life will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 110 N. 5th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 with Fr. Matthew Rappl as celebrant. Louise will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church after 9:30 a.m. on Friday until 10:40 a.m.

Memorials may be given in Louise's name for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Pere Marquette #1058; or the St. Joseph Choir (MAIL TO: 526 Louisiana Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235).

"Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Serenity Springs at Scandia Village, Unity Hospice, Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, and Dr. Rebhan for the wonderful care you gave to our mother."

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Louise may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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