Obituary: Priscilla “Poo” G. Calkins

June 6, 1947 ~ January 12, 2023

Priscilla Gilbert Calkins, “Poo”, to all who knew her, 75, of Ephraim, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

She was born June 6, 1947 in Neenah, the daughter of Nicholas Tisch Gilbert and Nancy Ruth (Waite) Gilbert. Poo grew up in Neenah and attended First Presbyterian Church and Neenah High School. She graduated from Downer High School in Milwaukee. Poo went on to study ceramics at Stephens College in Columbia, MO for two years.

She lived in Kansas City, MO for 25 years and worked at a local frame shop for three of those years. Poo was a lover and collector of art and enjoyed designing frames and mattings for her collection.

In the early 1990’s she moved to Ephraim in Door County, a place she vacationed earlier in life as well as working summers at Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor during high school.

Poo volunteered with the Junior League and Girl Scouts. She devoted her life to her home and gardens, tending to her flowers, birds, bees, and butterflies. Poo worked diligently every year to create one of the most beautiful private gardens anywhere. It was truly a “mission” for her. In the last few years, Poo became an avid beekeeper with the help of her friend and neighbor. Her gardens were a perfect setting for the hives. Poo also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and overseas.

She is survived by her two siblings, Nancy (Richard) Wiens of Long Island, NY and Nicholas Gilbert of CA; her husband William Calkins and other relatives. Poo will be dearly missed by close family friends, Mark (Jennifer) Sitte of Sister Bay and many others.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law; and other relatives.

Poo will be laid to rest in Blossomberg Cemetery in Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek with a private graveside committal.

Memorials may be given in her name for the Green Bay Botanical Garden (2600 Larsen Road, Green Bay, WI 54303; www.gbbg.org) OR the Door County Beekeepers Club (608 South 18th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; www.doorcountybeekeepersclub.org).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sister Bay. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Poo may be shared with her family and friends through her tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.