Nici Teweles

Nici (née Nicole Emmerich) Teweles was a dedicated civic leader who did hands-on work with charities and boards. A passionate supporter of the arts and theater, she was a creative and playful mother, grandmother, and friend. She died on January 25, 2023, age 95.

Nici was known for her originality in her wardrobe and her keen eye for all things visual. Mischievous, kind, and loving, friendships and beauty truly fed her soul.

The widow of L. William Teweles “Bill” who preceded her in death in 2015, Nici was a beloved member of her Book Club, Saint John’s on the Lake, and the larger Milwaukee community.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany on January 31, 1927 to Lily Marx Emmerich and Hugo Emmerich, she was preceded in death by her dear brother, art dealer Andre Emmerich. Nici’s natural optimism and love of life gave her the ability to adjust to a myriad of languages, cultures, and perspectives as her family escaped from Hitler, first to Amsterdam, then to Paramaribo, New York City, rural Ohio, and finally to her longtime home in Milwaukee.

Nici devoted herself to her interests with passion. A driving force in a new wave of historic preservation, she was instrumental in preserving Milwaukee’s Historic Walker’s Point neighborhood while holding off its gentrification. In 2000, she received a Mayoral Woman of the Year commendation for bringing mobile mammography to underserved communities. She also served on many boards, including Ten Chimneys, which combined her dedication to architecture, history, and continued theater education.

Nici’s charms were legendary; when members of the art world visited Milwaukee — including David Hockney, Helen Frankenthaler, and Santiago Calatrava — they were often hosted at Nici and Bill’s home and treated to her French cooking, Bill’s wit, and their art collection. These visits often led to long-lasting, close friendships.

She graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in English and seven proposals of marriage, each of which she turned down. Nici completed the Bloomingdale’s Fashion Training program before becoming a journalist for The Tobe Report, “the bible of the fashion industry.”

Nici met Bill in New York in 1949 and after three dates they got engaged before marrying in April 1950. Upon arriving in Milwaukee, Nici joined her beloved Book Club. She was drawn to the intellectual and activist pursuits of its women members, most of whom were childhood friends of Bill’s. Nici was wise; she became a confidante and advisor not only for these women, but for the next generations of Book Club family as well. It is a unique person who makes each person she meets feel special, and that was Nici Teweles. She was approachable and had a ready ear for anyone and everyone.

Nici was also a serious seamstress, prankster, cook and writer. She proudly attended the Bread Loaf Conference where she continued work on a collection of stories about her eccentric aunt. Although known for her impeccable taste and manners, she was never above using a dainty finger to wipe up sauce at the end of her meal, especially if it were chocolate.

Nici is survived by four children: Julia, Gillian (Francois) Denavit, Tracy (Christiaan de Brauw), and Leah, as well as six grandchildren: Chloe, Graham and Justine Denavit, Zettie and Milo Shapey, and Brooke Teweles, as well as her beloved cousin, Marianne Schwab (105), and many great/nieces and great/nephews.

Nici requested donations in her name be made to an organization that helps prevent homelessness: Hope House/The Family Flex Fund of Milwaukee. Donations can be made online at: Family Flex Fund | Hope House or by mail: Hope House of Milwaukee, Inc., 209 W. Orchard St., Milwaukee, WI 53204.

Funeral Services were held at St. John’s on the Lake on Sunday, January 29, 2023. Private interment took place at Greenwood Cemetery.