Adeline E. Bratt, age 91 of Shawano, passed away on Monday October 5, 2020 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah. Adeline was born on – to the late – in Chicago, Illinois. She was raised in Chicago and attended business school after high school where she earned a degree in business administration.

Adeline went on to become the first female executive for an electronics firm in Chicago. She married Robert Wilde and the couple moved to New York City. While in New York Adeline worked for the Anglican bishop and two archdeacons at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. While in New York she studied music, drama and dance at Juilliard, Hunter College, and the Manhattan College of Music. Adeline sang professionally while in New York and cherished her time living and working in New York. She moved back to Chicago after she and Robert separated amicably after 6 years of marriage. Upon moving back to Chicago Adeline taught at 12 different colleges. She went to work for the CEO of a hospital that doubled in size during her 10 years there. While working at the hospital Adeline started the group Health Care Office Professionals for the Illinois Hospital Association.

In 1972 Adeline married Dr. Richard Vierling, who went on to study law. In 1978 they sold their home to singer Natalie Cole and moved to Hampton, Illinois. During this time Adeline began her career working with police departments as a consultant, all over the country, helping them locate people and solve crimes with a 95 percent success rate. During this time she was also able to help pinpoint the location of a missing person on the Menominee Reservation. Adeline was a selfless person who wanted nothing in return for her services. In 1982 Richard and Adeline moved back to Chicago where she continued teaching and entertaining. In 1986 they retired and moved to Shawano. In 1996, Dr. Richard Vierling preceded Adeline in death.

Adeline proudly served in the Marine Corps Reserves, serving from 1953 – 1956. She was a member of the Shawano Area Veterans, American Legion where she is a past commander, AMVETS, Veterans of the Menominee Nation and the 40 et 8. She was also a member of the Shawano Rotary, Shawano Lions, the Eastern Star, Shawano County Arts Council, DAR, past president of the Shawano Women's Club, and a Shawano Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. For many years she penned a column for the Shawano Leader, "Ask Adeline". She had written, directed and performed at the Mielke Arts Center. Adeline also coordinated 9-11 events in the community over the years.

She was a woman that left her mark on the world and in the hearts of many others meeting  some amazing people along the way: the late Alan Pitt of Bonduel who sang opera in Chicago and introduced her to Shawano; she appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show several times; toured with the USO; and performed with famous celebrities such as Cheech and Chong, Madonna, and The Supremes at Universal Studios in California.

Adeline once stated that she was raised in a very religious family and as an astrologer she was very spiritual. Her faith carried her through an amazing journey and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In accordance with Adeline's wishes no services will be held.