Gretchen Italiano

Gretchen Italiano, age 70, a resident of Sarona, WI, died on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Oak Leaf Surgical Hospital in Altoona, WI, with her sister, Geral, and nephew, Danny, at her side.

Gretchen was born on June 19, 1954, in Portland, ME, the daughter of Greta Joan Banda.  She graduated from high school in Brunswick, ME.  She married Sam Italiano on August 26, 1972, and they moved to Pewaukee, WI. Gretchen was a top seller of Watkins products and worked in Accounts Payable for Beatrice Cheese in Waukesha, WI.  As a retired couple, they moved to Sarona.  Gretchen cared for Sam for 12 years while he had cancer.

Gretchen had a huge heart, always jumping into action to help others.  She liked garage sales and church fairs.  She was loved by all who met her and made life-long friends wherever she went.  She loved sewing and her two cats.  She was a kind lady who loved her family, friends, and church. 

Gretchen is survived by her sister, Geral Lynn Manchester of Cumberland, ME, niece Greta Brawn, nephew Laforrest Manchester, and great-nieces Samantha and Miranda Manchester.

Gretchen is preceded in death by her parents and husband of 50 years, Sam. 

Funeral services will be held at Spooner Baptist Church on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Darrel Flaming officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m.  Inurnment will be at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Gretchen’s family would greatly appreciate donations to Spooner Baptist Church in memory of Gretchen.

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