Theresa Ann Urbanski

THERESA ANN URBANSKI – OCTOBER 5, 1921 – DECEMBER 21, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Tiny Little Dancer (Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great-Great Grandmother, Wife, and friend to all of you).

Theresa was 99 years old, and lived in Cumming, Georgia with her husband, Leo (Bud) Urbanski and daughter, Theresa Kasmer.  Theresa was born in Winona, Minnesota on October 5, 1921 to Helen and Lon Trainor.  She is survived by her husband, Leo (Bud) Urbanski, son, Jim Powers and his wife, Patsy, daughter, Theresa Kasmer, son, Lee Urbanski; Grandchildren, Shane Powers, Jim Binkowski, Tammy Powers, Jason Jones, and Stacy Peters. Great Grandchildren, Samantha Morris, Johanna Binkowski, Conner Jones, Nick Jones, Kelsey Jones and Sarah Jones; Great-Great Grandchildren, Parker, Madelyn, and Dominic; Nephew, Don Alvin, and Grand Nephew, David Alvin.

She was predeceased by Ruth Hester, sister, Jim Trainor, brother, Mary Lou Fox, sister, and Richard Trainor, brother; William Powers, Jr., son, William Powers III, grandson, Scott Jones, Grandson, and Candy Ruenz, niece.

Theresa was born into a family that devoted their life and careers to the hospitality field.  Her father worked as owner-manager of the Arthur L. Roberts Hotel, and she learned early in life, the importance of guest satisfaction.  Recollections of her early years include visits to her Grandparent’s farm in Elkton, North Dakota.  Her grandfather, Dr. Dennis O’Conner, provided medical care to the local community; a country doctor who imparted compassionate, caring service to those in need.  He often accepted live chickens, eggs, and fresh garden vegetables from patients who could not afford the medical care he provided to them.  It was her sister, Ruthie who taught her the Fox Trot to a record on the big Victrola in her grandparent’s parlor.  A few days later, she attended a Saturday night dance at the Elkton school gym where her grandfather took her onto the dance floor.  From that day forward, her passion for dancing would fuel her career.  Our Tiny Little Dancer with a heart of gold continued life on a path that caused all who knew her to cherish their time with her.

Theresa married Bill Powers at the age of 16 and had three children.  She lived in Chicago at that time, and after her divorce, she earned a living and supported her family as a dance instructor for Arthur Murray Dance Studio.  She and her dance partner, Gene Russell, entered and won many dance contests, continuing to earn money in order to support herself and children as a single mother.  It was at one of these dance competitions at Oakton Manor in Pewaukee, Wisconsin that she caught the attention of the Shinderman family.  Bert and his wife, Esther and his brother Syd and his wife, Francis, owned Oakton Manor as well as several hotels in Miami, Florida.  They were so taken by Theresa’s talent, energy, work ethics, and dedication to her family, they offered her a position with them.  She wore many hats … dance instructor, social hostess, reservation and sales.  Her enthusiasm knew no bounds, and she quickly became a valuable member of the organization.  Most importantly, the Shindermans shared her commitment to family, and provided housing for she and her three children throughout her employment with them.  It was at Oakton Manor where she met the love of her life, Bud Urban, who was the resort manager.  They had a few early bumps in the road, and at one time, he even fired her!  We all know how that turned out, and after their marriage on October 20, 1956, they continued to work for the Shinderman family, moved to Genoa City where they continued their management roles, and eventually became co-owners with the Shindermans and Harry and Vi Lake of Nippersink Manor Resort.  There are some of you that will remember Theresa from her time at Oakton Manor, and many of you who have memories of your time with her at Nippersink Manor Resort as a guest, country club member, or staff.  After the sale of Nippersink in 1983, Theresa moved to Florida with Bud, and most recently to Georgia to be near family members.

Visitation will be held at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home, 620 Legion Drive, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin from 9:00AM to 11:00AM on Monday December 28, 2020.

A Mass will follow at St. John’s Catholic Church, 701 N. Lake Avenue, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. At 11:30AM Monday December 28, 2020.  Attendance is limited to 100 people due to Covid 19.  It had been Theresa’s wishes to provide a luncheon and fellowship following mass at the church, but it will not be possible due to these restrictions.

Following the mass, there will be a grave site service at Mound Prairie Cemetery, 39000 – 104th Street, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

So many of you have expressed how much Theresa inspired you and impacted your lives, personally and professionally.  Our family requests that in lieu of flowers, you continue her legacy by inspiring and helping others as she did for you.  Our wish is that you keep Theresa in your hearts, and join us as we picture our Tiny Little Dancer in Heaven’s Ballroom, dancing throughout eternity.

Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Twin Lakes is Honored to be serving Theresa’s family