Alfreida Lylian Bishop

All who knew Alfreida Bishop would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was gracious, kindhearted, and genuine in her concern for others with a vibrant love for life that was contagious to all who were near. It was no secret that Alfreida was married to the love of her life, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include numerous branches of loved ones over more than 50 years. Although she treasured her role as a mother, she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother was her sweetest reward. Although she will be deeply missed, Alfreida leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loves ones will forever treasure. Life during the early 1900s was drastically different than the life we know and love in America today. There were unsafe working conditions nationwide and a lack of child labor laws that left our nation's youth paying the highest price. Although we had hopes of remaining neutral during WWI, repeated hostilities in the Pacific left us with no choice but to engage in the fight in 1917. It was just one year later that America and our allies were victorious, leaving our nation recognized as a world leader for the first time. Also in 1918, there was much to celebrate in the lives of Frank and Jennie (Huff) Kuehl as they were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Alfreida Lylian on March 17, 1918. Born and raised in Black Creek, Wisconsin, she was one of five children in her family that included her brothers, Roy and Harvey, and her sisters, Eva and Margaret. In many ways, Alfreida was a young woman of her generation despite having a rather unique upbringing. Tragedy struck in the Kuehl family with the death of Alfreida's father at a young age. In order to best care for her children, her mother placed them in the Tomah Oneida Indian School. When the school closed, Alfreida and her siblings were then moved to the closest Indian School, in Flandreau, South Dakota. In Tomah, she had been working for a doctor's wife since she knew early on the she wanted to get a "good education." Alfreida went on to graduate from high school there. New and exciting changes were in store for 16 year old Alfreida when she went to live with her sister in Rochester since it was there that she met the the man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. His name was Lester Bishop, and sparks flew right from the start. He told her that they should get married so she could stay there instead of going back to Flandreau, and apparently Alfreida thought this was a good idea as the rest became history. With a desire to establish a life together, Alfreida and Lester were married on September 11, 1937, in Cresco, Iowa. As a young newlywed, she had virtually no skills in the kitchen, but Lester stepped in and taught her how to cook. After getting a handle on things in the kitchen, Alfreida became a great cook. Together the couple welcomed three children, James, David, and Carole, into their hearts and home. Since she didn't grow up in a family home, Alfreida made caring for her family her primary focus. They Bishops lived in Rochester, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and St. Charles Minnesota, before retiring to Loretta, Wisconsin. In addition to caring for her family as a homemaker, Alfreida also worked part-time at Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee, Whitewater State Park, Olmsted Medical Group, and United Way. In 1987, Alfreida was filled with unspeakable joy to celebrate 50 years of marriage with the love of her life. It was a time to remember as she was so thankful that her family was all together to celebrate. This was forever the happiest day of Alfreida's life. She adored being a grandparent and was an active part of her grandchildren's lives. Alreida loved taking her grandchildren to the cabin in Lorretta for weekends where she swam and fished right alongside them. In 2001 they returned to St. Charles where Alfreida spent the rest of her life. Although her family was always her first priority, Alfreida did enjoy keeping busy with other interests. She was a member of St. Charles United Methodist Church and loved getting together with other women in the church. Alfreida loved reading, and her favorite author was Pearl Buck, and when it came to music her favorite singer was Perry Como and all the music from the big band era. She loved politics and keeping up on current events, and she was always so proud of her Oneida Nation heritage. Alfreida was an avid Packer fan and loved fishing. A blessing to everyone she met, Alfreida Bishop was truly extraordinary. She was a great conversationalist with a keen mind and a warm and inviting demeanor that reminded others of their own mother. A natural nurturer, Alfreida lived to care for her husband and children, and she was so proud to witness her family tree blossom to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Deeply loved, she will never be forgotten. Alfreida Lylian (Kuehl) Bishop, of St. Charles, died Sunday, December 13th at St. Isodore Health Center in Plainview. Alfreida's family includes her son, David (Lois) Bishop of St. Charles; daughter, Carole Mahoney of Rochester; daughter-in-in-law, Sharon Bishop of Rochester; six grandchildren, Roger Bishop, Karin Duncan, Kathy Annis, Vance Mahoney, Lesley Miller and Susie Sullivan; 16 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren ;and her brother, Roy Kuehl of Milwaukee, WI. Alfreida was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; son, James; grandson, Jeff, a brother Harvey; two sisters, Eva and Margaret and three half sisters; Dorothy Pina, Clara Metoxen and Ellen Felton. Funeral services will be 11a.m. Saturday at St. Charles United Methodist Church with the Reverend Heather E. Klason officiating. Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Hoff Funeral Home in St. Charles, and one hour before services at the church on Saturday. Please share a memory of Alfreida at her on-line guestbook and view her video tribute when it comes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Pallbearers will be; Kathy Annis, Vance Mahoney, Mark Annis, Matthew Kowalzyk, Andrew Miller and Susie Sullivan.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/656484