Eileen Hemmeter

Eileen Mussatto Hemmeter, age 98 of Highwood, Illinois, passed away the morning of January 20, 2025.

She was born January 10, 1927 in Sesser, Illinois to Thomas and Albina (Enama) Mussatto, the youngest of 3 children.

Preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers John and Harry and her sisters in law Delores (Martini) and Martha (Sutton), also preceded by several dear girlfriends she considered a sister, including without limitation Katherine Kelly, Betty Rosalini, Evelyn Eul, Josephine Galasini, Dee Vanderpal, and Leonora Cervac to name a few. Survived by many other close friends including Carol Ugolini, Angela Crovetti, Teta Minuzzo, Lisa Cervac, and many more who were charmed by her spitfire personality. Preceded in death by husband Ferdinand Hemmeter and long-term romantic partner Judge Harvey Odenbrett, who was her true love.

Mother to the late Victoria (Howard) Ludwigson, and survived by Valerie (John) Strege, grandmother to Randy Czaplewski, Rebecca (Matthew) Lechner, Mark Ludwigson, Cretia (Robert) Radman, Ian Strege, and Amy (David) Lonergan. Survived by great grandkids, Layla Czaplewski and Thomas Czaplewski; Theodore Lechner and Henry Lechner; Ivy Ludwigson and Kai Ludwigson; and Dylan Radman and Calisi Casper. Survived also by nieces Michele (Michael Romcoe) Mussatto, Renee Mussatto, Lisa (Paul) Mussatto Guess, nephew Thomas Mark Mussatto, and great nephews Dylan Guess and Owen Mussatto Guess.

Member, Highwood Historical Society, Italian Women's Prosperity Club, and Highland Park Women's Club. Former legal assistant at, and interim Alderman for, City of Milwaukee. After retirement she dedicated her remaining years to her family and award- winning art, in the form of classical masterpieces recreated in counted cross-stitching. Avid solver of crosswords, dedicated follower of music spanning from big band and swing (especially Max Raabe) to ABBA to Johnny Cash to Britney Spears. Mother to late pets, Jackie (Beagle), Tipper (Calico cat) and Sam (Black cat).

Student of language from shorthand to German and Italian, a tiny bit of Polish, and even was learning Spanish in her 90's, thanks to her beloved "personal assistant," Lupe. Champion bowler and golfer. Nominally Catholic but found God more often at the end of a putter than in a pew. Suffered stubbornly through emotional and physical pain most of her life, and yet took great joy in the smallest things, especially Coca Cola, chocolate, cheese, and potato chips. Proudest achievement was her family, and she was happiest when every one of her family members were all safe.... And NOT traveling, especially not during the winter. She was a lifelong learner, deep feeler, and beloved by all, even those she aggravated.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance https://mnovarian.org/ or the Highwood Historical Society, http://www.highwoodhistoricalsociety.com/.

Private burial ceremony to join her beloved daughter at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire, WI to be conducted this spring.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.stokesprockandmundt.com.