Florence Rose Tello

(nee Knauf) Born to Eternal Life on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Age 82 years. Loving and caring mother of Bryan Tello. Cherished grandmother of Paige, Owen and Nadia Tello. Adored sister of Irvin Knauf. Florence is preceded in death by her brother Anton Knauf, parents Mary and Anton Knauf and two sisters that died at birth. Further survived by other family members and many dear friends.

Florence was born and raised in Marathon, Wisconsin. She graduated from UW- Stevens Point with Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology. In 1967 she moved to Milwaukee to begin her working career at Mount Sinai Hospital. In 1969 Florence joined Project HOPE. There she helped set up a school of medical technology at the Catholic University in Quito, Ecuador and was responsible for the creation of the Blood Bank and Serology programs. She later returned to Milwaukee and continued working at Mt. Sinai eventually retiring in 2005. During that time, she also served as an adjunct professor at Marquette University.

During her retirement she enjoyed taking care of her three grandchildren. Her hobbies included cooking and gardening (Both flower and vegetable). She loved to travel with friends and family. She planned at least one trip a year. Florence had a servant's heart and volunteered in one week's interval with victims of Hurricane Katrina, an orphanage in Guatemala and medical trips to a fishing village in Peru. In her faith life at St. Stephens and later St. James she served on health ministry committees and volunteered on the garden committee.

Florence will be remembered for her caring, strong and supportive nature. She highly encouraged those around her to live and lead the life that she experienced She enjoyed cooking and hosting for family and friends. Her love of travel leaves a legacy of adventure for her son and grandchildren. Florence had an honest, moral and ethical value system. She was greatly loved and impacted so many people in her life both personally and professionally.

Memorial Visitation Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 9-11 AM at St. James Catholic Church, 7219 S. 27th St. Franklin. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. There will be a Celebration of Life in the Marathon area at a later date. The date, time and location will be updated here when it is known.

PRASSER-KLECZKA

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