The John and Gertrude Milder Story continued...

The Later Years

After all of their children had left home, John and Gertrude's life changed, but not their devotion to church and family.

They lived on the acreage but sold most of the land. They had space between their home and the road and John built a new two bedroom home for the two of them in 1959.

First House on Prairie du Chien Road.

John and Gertrude celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 23, 1960. A solemn high Mass was offered by Msgr. Carl H. Meinberg, pastor of St. Mary's. He was assisted by Rev. Eugene Hoenig of St. Patrick's, Burlington, and Rev. Michael Broderick of St. Joseph's, Hills.

A dinner was held at St. Joseph's Hall in Hills and was attended by 100 guests. All 15 children attended and many of the 50 grandchildren were present. On April 24 an open house was held at their home.

John and Gertrude's 50th Wedding Anniversary.

A dinner was held at St. Joseph's Hall in Hills and was attended by 100 guests. All 15 children attended and many of the 50 grandchildren were present. On April 24 an open house was held at their home.

The John Milder Family.

Front, left to right- John (Son), John, Gertrude, Mary
Row 2: Ed, Wilma, Pat, Elisabeth, Louise, Trudy, Ben
Row 3: Gene, Leonard, Gerald, Lawrence, Maurice, Paul
Click for larger photo.

In l961 John suffered a stroke but was able to return to normal living with only a slight impairment. He remained a source of entertainment for the grandchildren, who flocked around him to hear his stories or get horsey rides on his knees. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved a harmless practical joke. He also liked to sing, "Every, Tom, Dick and Harry's named John".

In 1963, while Brother John was home on a visit, John suffered a very severe stroke. He lived about a week and died on Holy Saturday, April 13, 1963. Funeral Mass was said by Father Benda on April 15. John was survived by his wife, 15 children, 53 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. For Gertrude the next year was the saddest of her life.

In July of 1965, Lawrence's wife, Cynthia, died of a brain hemorrhage. He later married Joan Duffy in December of 1981.

In l97l Brother John, left the Abbey and married Zita Granzella DeWolfe in l972. She had four children. The youngest, Kevin, born March 3, 197l, was adopted by John.

Gertrude continued to live in her home. She suffered from high blood pressure and severe arthritis. She continued to be quite active, but had to rely on a cane. Later, as the arthritis progressed, she used a three-pronged cane. She tried not to complain so others would not know how much pain she was in. She didn't let on that it took her more than an hour in the morning to get dressed and to the kitchen.

She knew exactly how many steps there were from her chair to the bathroom and would plan out what things she wanted to get from the kitchen or her bedroom whenever she got up to go to the bathroom. As the years went by she had to use a walker, but she wanted to be independent and take care of herself as long as she could. In 1977 Mary (Sister Margaretta) came home to care for her.

They spent many happy times together. Gertrude's arthritis became steadily worse and her knees were so bad she could hardly bend them. A ramp was built in the breezeway to take her out in the wheelchair. She continued to go out and attend weddings, baptisms, graduations, and other family events.

If at all possible, she attended Mass on Sunday. In later years, Gertrude attended Mass at the chapel of Mercy Hospital because it was accessible for her wheelchair.

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