Ethel D. Neuens Obituary
Ethel D. Neuens (nee Beckwith), 94, passed away peacefully at Angel's Grace Hospice on January 9th, 2026. Ethel was the youngest child of Reno Eugene and Grace (nee Cain) Beckwith. Born on Christmas Eve 1931, Ethel lived a life filled with family, friends, and faith. Ethel, also known as "Becky", grew up in the Bay View area of Milwaukee. She married Charles J. Neuens (d.1998) and together they raised 6 children. She worked for many years as the office manager for Glicklich, Cohen, Jona & Kaufman (later Sell & Aiken) Pediatric Surgical Associates and prior to that as the Admitting Supervisor for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Together Chuck & Ethel embraced retirement life, making new memories by traveling around America, the Baja and Beyond in their 5th wheel. They settled down a bit, landing at Natures Villa in Helenville for Wisconsin's gentler months, and there they happily embraced the Villa community while also making more memories with their own grown children and young grandkids. Life was filled with bonfires, fish fries, new friends that became like family, line-dancing (Ethel only on that one) and grand kids. The 4th of July celebration and parade became the high-light of summer at the Villa. Both Chuck and Ethel gathered the most amazing group of friends at the Villa as they enjoyed their retirement years to the fullest.
With the passing of Chuck, came a shift towards what had been their winter haven in Arizona. Ethel, the snowbird, decided to land in Bullhead City, Arizona to re-build her life. There she joined St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Laughlin, NV, just across the river from Bullhead. She experienced the energetic and loving spirit of Father Charlie's sermons and became a very active and enthusiastic member for the rest of her life. She served as the Guild Coordinator with Trish Nevius by her side as they, along with a band of dedicated church members did everything from assembling layettes for needy newborn babies to creating baskets full of goods and cards for our American disabled veterans. Ethel developed a large and close-knit circle of great friends in Bullhead and Saint John's, including their fearless leader, Father Charlie Urnick. Ethel remained an active member of Saint John's while in Wisconsin by being a Prayer Chain leader and listening to church sermons via the internet.
When back in Wisconsin, Ethel continued her friendships with those from the Villa, Bullhead and Saint John's as well as earlier facets of her life. Her new friend Marge Harris (d.2023) was a blessing as she adjusted to leaving her beloved Bullhead crew and she was able to spend some time with her dear friend and coconspirator in all things fun, Theresa Levenhagen (d.2021) before her passing. Many friends, including MaryAnne Cresca, Dianne Stewart, Trish Nevius and so many more kept her in the loop for all the Villa and St.
John news. During her health challenges, her niece, Ruth Vanderplas provided all of us kids and mom with much needed medical counsel as well as boundless love. Her nieces and nephews, Barbara Lam, Carol Lustig, Nancy Landsee, Kenn Beckwith, Patrick Graham and so many more took time to visit many times. Her children and grandchildren were also a big part of her life though the years and in her last chapters here on earth. She truly continued her legacy of family, friends and faith throughout her entire life.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ethel was predeceased by her sister Mildred (Millie) Vanderplas, her brothers Kenneth Beckwith and Marion Beckwith (died in infancy) and sister-in-law Mary Graham (nee Neuens) (Bob).
She is survived by her children, Linda Dembiec (Jeff), Steven Neuens (Paula), Gary Neuens (Linda), John Neuens (Dyhanne), Mary Eresh (Brian) and Nancy Langer (Marty). Her grandchildren are Laura Jordan (Angus), Chris Neuens, Kate Neuens (Dan Cusack), Erica Gutowski (Jeff), Brittany Snyder (Jesse), Dylan.
Neuens, Max Neuens, Ashley Vitcak (Andrew), Charles Eresh, Emily Eresh, Jen Eresh. Bret Langer and Cortney Langer. Her Great Grandchildren are Emma, Tiri, Allister, Tiago, Kristopher, Cole, Paige, Brynn, Kaiden, and Peyton. Her nephews and nieces are Ruth Vanderplas, Mary Vanderplas, Peter Vanderplas, Barbara Lam, Carol Lustig, Nancy Landsee, Kenn Beckwith, Patrick Graham and Carie Vierck.
Visitation will be held from 9 AM -until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at St. Anthony on the Lake Catholic Church, W280N2101 Prospect Ave, Pewaukee, WI. Luncheon will follow Mass until 1pm. Private burial with family to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Angels Grace Hospice Oconomowoc or Dementia Society of America.
