Obituary
Ursula M. Cilley
Ursula Cilley passed away peacefully in her daughter’s arms at her home in Holmen on April 7, 2025.
She was born on Sunday, May 29, 1927, in Berlin, Germany to Reinhold and Martha Karnowski. She joined siblings Carl, Reinhold, Friedel and Erica.
Ursula attended the 1936 Olympics with her father in Berlin. She had nice memories of attending Kristkindelmarkt in Berlin. She enjoyed her childhood with family and friends until September 1939. She had many incredible experiences. She was a survivor.
She worked as a tailor with her mother and brother. In 1948 she married William D. Cilley in Berlin and immigrated to America and years later became an American citizen and was proud to be an American. She had a lovely accent. She worked at La Crosse Footwear for many years. In retirement, she traveled to Europe many times. She volunteered at the Salvation Army and RSVP. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and great -great grandchildren were her sunshine.
Ursula is survived by her daughters Rebecca Cilley, Debra McClure. Grandchildren Daniel Cilley, Brian Cilley, Sarah Crocker (Jason), Michael McClure (Kendra). Great grandchildren Delsin, GraceLy Cilley, Emma Culbertson (Noah), Nolan Meyer. Great-great grandchildren Sebastian, Rome Culbertson. Numerous nieces and nephews in America and Germany. She was preceded in death by her husband and a son William P. Cilley. Her brothers Carl Karnowski and Reinhold Karnowski. Her sisters Erica Brueggeman (Herbert) and Friedel Butz. And two fur-babies, Lisa and Suzzie.
The family wishes to thank My Choice and Bethany Heights for all their wonderful support and care.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. and a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on April 25, 2025 at the Gathering Place, Onalaska, with Reverend Scott Skogen officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.
Oma, we will miss you. You will be in our hearts. Liebe dich.
Schlaf schon Mutti
I am so sorry to hear of Ursula’s passing. I met her so many times while working with her daughter Becky. She was so funny and such a bright light.