The John and Gertrude Milder Story continued...

The Later Years II

Gertrude enjoyed television and had certain soap operas that she followed. She didn't do much reading except for many prayers. She was always interested in and followed the news via television and radio. She was also interested in sports and always followed the Hawkeyes in football and basketball.

She was capable of taking care of her financial business with a little help from her children. Her eyesight was always adequate and she did a lot of sewing. She made blocks for baby quilts for her great-grandchildren.

These were all hand stitched and she loved to match and coordinate the colors. She worked with them until she was satisfied that they were right. She liked to be outside in the fresh air whenever she could.

She loved company and always looked forward to seeing her children. Her telephone was. especially helpful in her later years. She was the source of information for all of the family.

If one of the children wanted to find out about the other members, it was usually channeled through her. When a problem came to a member of the family they knew that Gertrude had a candle burning for them and a prayer on her lips.

As the years went by, Gertrude became more dependent on Sister Margaretta. She had to be dressed and have help with her bath. She was very independent and whenever possible she was determined to do things for herself.

She loved her home and it was her fervent hope and prayer that she would be able to live out her life in her home. Eugene and Betty were Gertrude's greatest resources. Eugene was always on call to repair or replace anything that was broken, rotted, or worn out. Betty was always on hand to get groceries or take Gertrude and Sister to the doctor or shopping.

For many years Betty would set Gertrude's hair for her. These two people were major factors that enabled Gertrude to stay in her home. Through the years of hard times and raising such a large family, Gertrude always had to be frugal. She spent very little on herself.

When she received money for gifts she would use it for something special, such as a new dress, shoes, or a permanent for her hair. She was always generous with charitable organizations and was moved by their needs. She was swamped with requests so she had to choose the ones that she could afford to support.

For Gertrude's 90th birthday, she was honored at a special potluck dinner and open house at Eagle Lodge on July 1981. The dinner was attended by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. A total of 220 attended the celebration. Beverly Sida entertained the crowd with her accordion.

On the morning of this occasion, there was a special Mass held at St. Mary's for her intentions. On Monday, there was a special home Mass held in the yard of her home. Mass was celebrated by Rev. Carlos Leveling. A group of 70 relatives and friends attended.

Just a year later, St. Mary's constructed a new church hall. It was Gertrude's desire to celebrate her 91st birthday there. A Mass was celebrated at St. Mary's Church at 10 a.m. and a potluck dinner held later.

Gertrude's 91st Birthday Party.

It was a very large affair with many of John and Gertrude's nieces and nephews also attending. Gertrude had loved the outdoor Mass that was celebrated for her 90th birthday so she wanted a repeat. Another beautiful outdoor Mass was said by Rev. Thomas Buechele.

Gertrude's memory was very good. She remembered everyone's Birthday and anniversary and sent cards as often as possible. She was adept at keeping abreast of the trials and tribulations of all her children and grandchildren.

It was this concern for family that became her pastime in the later years. She really enjoyed having her family celebrate with her. She would tell her grandchildren to invite their friends because, in her words, "the more, the merrier." She joked about "breaking 100" at her parties.

Other favorites for Gertrude were her plants and flowers. She had beautiful roses around the front of her house. She would start wondering at the end of February when her tulips would start coming up.

She also continued to love a good game of cards, euchre or solitaire and Yahtzee. But her arthritis made these games more and more difficult all the time.

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