Coryl Leone Brieske, 85, of Norwalk died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in La Crosse.
She was born May 27, 1930, to Martin and Cora (Hayter) Dopson in the town of Jefferson. She was a member of the Wilton High School graduating class of 1948. On Dec. 15, 1948, Coryl was united in marriage to Verland L. Brieske at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridgeville. He preceded her in death Feb. 23, 2009. Together, Coryl and Verland farmed in the town of Ridgeville most of their lives.
She worked as a waitress at the Wilton Café and later in the housekeeping department at the Tomah Veterans Administration Medical Center. After retiring from the VA, she worked at the Norwalk Public Library as a librarian for several years.
She was a faithful and devoted member of St. John and St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Coryl had an adventurous side; she loved living life to its fullest and would just try about anything. Snowmobiling, riding motorcycle, playing cards, and bowling were just a few of the many things she enjoyed. She was an avid Fenton art glass collector, attending auctions and garage sales and, with the help of her grandchildren, looking online to find unique pieces.
Coryl also had a loving and kind spirit; spending time with her grandchildren always brought special joy to her heart. She especially enjoyed getting together for holidays, making her homemade noodles and baking pies, which were always family favorites.
She is survived by her children, Larry (Mary) Brieske and Kathy (Bob) Semann, both of Norwalk; seven grandchildren, Lynn (Tracy) Semann of Sparta, Scott (Lena) of Holmen, Chris (Nichole) of Tomah, Connie (Todd) Buchholz of Westby, Nicole (Brian) Semann of Madison, Chad (Jamie) Brieske of Tomah, and Nathan (Sheena) Brieske of Waupun, Wis.; six great-grandchildren, Bennett and Brandt Brieske, Mariah Semann, Ryan and Kaelyn Buchholz and Marcus Semann; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Brieske of Tomah; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Verland; a great-granddaughter, Hannah Semann; two brothers, Clifford Dopson and Marvin Dopson; and a sister-in-law, Verna Dopson.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norwalk. Pastor Matthew Minzlaff will officiate. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Wilton. Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday from 4–7 p.m. at the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, 702 Center St., Wilton, and on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
