Ilse Weitz

Ilse Weitz, age 84 of Oshkosh, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 9, 2025. She was born in Wilhelmshaven, Germany on September 2, 1940, to Hermann and Herta (Schmidt) Aissen. Ilse was a devoted mother to her five children, her pride and joy.

Ilse migrated from Wilhelmshaven, Germany to the USA in 1959. She traveled by plane to New York, New York alone at the age of 18 years old and eventually settled in Green Bay, WI and lived with her aunt who was her formal sponsor when coming to America.

Her aunt was a head nurse in Pediatrics at Bellin Hospital and would be instrumental in helping her to learn the English language. She learned English from nursery rhyme books, as well as the show “I Love Lucy”, and from the children in the Pediatric unit at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay.

Ilse earned her Licensed Practical Nurse Degree (LPN) on September 25, 1962. She was hired as an LPN in the surgery department at Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh, WI on July 19, 1963. It was there where she worked in the surgery department for 28 years. She ultimately completed her nursing career at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh. Ilse truly loved her profession and cherished the lifelong friendships she created during her career.

Ilse found enjoyment in knitting and crocheting. She was also an enthusiastic bowler, as well as a devoted Green Bay Packers fan. Her passion for life was evident in everything she did, especially in the kitchen. Her homemade meals were legendary, and she could whip up the best apple pies that left you always craving for more. Her joy and happiness in life also came from her grandchildren, they were her everything.

Ilse is survived by her children: Arnold Presser, Dieter Presser, Heidi (Chad) Koplien, Ingrid (Chris) Garrison and Siegried (Mark) Nielsen; grandchildren: Kaitlan and Isabel Koplien, Sophia and Olivia Nielsen, Alysa Garrison, Jakob, Jakson and Avery Presser; sister: Margot (Robert) Anderson.

Ilse was preceded in death by her parents Hermann and Herta (Schmidt) Aissen, and much-loved stepmother, Myrtle Aissen; husband William Weitz Jr.; her sister Edith (Hans-Rolf) van Vorshelen; her brother Werner Aissen; niece Kathryn Anderson; and aunt Theresa Schmidt.

A funeral service for Ilse will be held at 6:00 PM on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2580 W. 9th Ave. Oshkosh, WI 54904, with Rev. Jennifer Czarnota officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 4:30 PM until the time of the service. Entombment will take place at Lake View Memorial Park.

Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the angels on earth who surrounded her with love and care in her final days. Their support meant the world to Ilse, and her family.

Ilse's legacy will forever be cherished. Her family finds comfort in knowing her legacy lives on through the lessons she taught, the love she shared, and the memories they will cherish forever.