Louise Emilie Reschke

Louise Emilie Reschke (Poppe), 89, died peacefully on September 28, 2024. Louise was born on May 10, 1935 in Chicago, IL to Emilie (née. Herrmann) Poppe and Carl H. Poppe. Growing up, her full house included four younger brothers, her Opa Herrmann, her Uncle Paul, her 3-legged dog Bonnie and Inky, the cat. She cherished her time with her beloved Oma and Grandfather Poppe in Waterford, WI, where she created many happy memories in the country. Her life was filled with art, books, music, animals, imagination, and love. Louise lit up every room with her beautiful smile. She attended Ravenswood Grammar School and Lake View High School in Chicago, and graduated with a degree in Art and Home Economic Education in 1957 from DePauw University, Greencastle, IN, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. She worked as an elementary art teacher in Downers Grove, IL. Louise met and fell in love with George Robert Reschke at the Tall Girls Club of Chicago in March 1959, and they were married August 1, 1959. After moving to Watchung, NJ, Louise and George frequented dance clubs and restaurants in New York and soon welcomed their daughters Lise and Anne. They moved to Palos Park, IL and were blessed with their son George II. The family of 5 settled for a few years in Decatur, IL before relocating to Kansas City, MO in 1974. They were later surprised with another daughter, Alaine, who adjusted their path from an empty nest. Across more than 65 years of marriage, Louise and George built a lifetime of cherished memories and wonderful vacations, which are captured in the numerous photo albums Louise created and the photos and paintings that cover the walls of their home. In addition to being a voracious reader, Louise was a very talented artist. Her beautiful oil and watercolor paintings and beloved, much read books are displayed throughout their home. Her artistic influence and caring spirit live on in the talents and kindness of her children. Lise, Anne, George, and Alaine remember her as a loving and patient Momma who encouraged them to explore their interests. She supported them in art classes, music lessons, dance lessons, theater, sports, rehearsals, and many other pursuits, and frequently exposed them to museums and musicals. She sang sweet songs at bedtime, gave snuggly hugs with little pats, and threw the best birthday parties. Louise drove them around and volunteered for all of their activities (including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Youth Symphony of Kansas City), assisted in school libraries, and enjoyed tutoring elementary children.

Louise is preceded in death by her Oma and Grandfather Poppe, Opa Hermann, parents, many Aunts and Uncles, brother Carl, sister-in-law Barbara Poppe, son-in-law Dennis FitzWilliam, and lifelong best friend Claudette Schneider.

Louise is survived by her beloved husband George; children, Lise (Ron) Juneman, Anne FitzWilliam, George Reschke II, and Alaine (Gabriel) Hernandez; grandchildren James (Melissa) Juneman, Emilie Juneman, Megan (Austin) Buhnerkemper, Kathleen Reschke, Joseph Reschke, Mary Grace Reschke, Jack (Jessa) FitzWilliam, Sam FitzWilliam, Milan Hernandez, and Zyania Hernandez; great-granddaughters Coco Soriano, Poppy Juneman, and Marigold “Goldie” Juneman; brothers Herman (Judith) Poppe, Herbert Poppe, Robert (Natasha) Poppe, sister-in-law Sue Poppe, brother-in-law Erwin (Barbara) Reschke, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Art Institute of Chicago at https://sales.artic.edu/donate, the Kansas City Symphony Annual Fund at https://www.kcsymphony.org/support-us/individual-giving/, or your neighborhood public library.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at North Kansas City Hospital, The Gardens at Barry Woods, Tiffany Springs Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Ascend Hospice, Laura, Christian, Shay, and many others who offered support and care.