The John and Gertrude Milder Story continued...

Favorite Memories of
John and Gertrude ("Mom and Pop")
submitted lovingly by their children.

Ed - I remember Dad taking me hunting when I was quite young and he pointed a rabbit out to me, which looked to my small eyes, to be as big as a horse. Mom's prayer book and rosary were always only a hands reach away, always giving her thoughts and prayers to family, friends, and others. She was the most religious person I ever knew. I also remember the good times we had taking Mother and Dad on trips to Colorado and other places.

Sister - Dad took pride in his home he built for Mother. He also worked hard at what he did. Mom always liked to be taken out of doors when it was nice. Also she liked flowers. I always tried to keep some on her desk. My mother was always so glad to have her children come to visit and play games. My father was a good dad and tried hard to provide for the family. They were good parents. They had it hard to raise such a big family. I think they did a really good job. I think all of our brothers and sisters turned out really good.

Louise - My favorite memory of my parents is that they were two great parents who worked hard all their lives, and raised a big wonderful family. All the great and many gatherings we all had are very memorable. In their retired lives going to Mass every day was a great memory. They both are surely in heaven today.

Wilma - Dad had a natural talent for repairing everything. He did most of the mechanical work on all the farm machinery and cars. He repaired our shoes and cut our hair. Flowers were something very special to Mother. She had an abundance of them in her garden and around her home. Sister always kept fresh flowers near for her to enjoy, even digging up crocuses for her to see in her last illness.

Mother's rosary was her constant companion. She prayed the rosary every day starting in 1914. She kept it in her apron pocket during the day and under her pillow at night. I also remember the many happy times together. One of them was the Sunday night entertainment as I was growing up. Dad would play the violin and Mother the organ, and all would join in the singing.

Libb - Dad always liked to tease the little ones when they came. He loved to play cards. Dad was such a fixer, I thought there was nothing that he couldn't fix. I think the only time he punished me was when I pulled the mantel clock off the shelf. I guess I had it coming. Mom looked forward to having us come up every Friday night and play cards or games with her.

Paul - Pop was always there to do anything for the grandchildren. He fixed many toys for our children. Mom was always so happy to see everyone and so interested in the whole family, what each grandchild was doing. She took an interest in everybody.

Ben - When I was small, Dad would take out his fiddle and play for us before we had a radio. It was great entertainment. Mom always had a flower garden. She always waited up for me when I was young and out on the town. Also she could get around Pop and change his "no" to a "yes".

Larry - Pop was very good with his hands. He could make or repair anything. Mom was very good at settling arguments and disputes.

Trudy- I remember spending time with the two of them while they reminisced about the past.

Gerald - My memory of Pop was, he was always right. I also remember him sitting in a chair, holding a cat, both sleeping. He had an easy going disposition. My memory of Mom was she was always praying. Anytime we wanted to find out the news, we'd go visit Mom. Pauline remembers her good cooking.

John - I don't have one big memory. Each situation brings up memories, and if I tried to list them, I'd be writing the book.

Leonard - I remember watching and listening to Dad play the fiddle. I still have his fiddle, and one can not look at it without thoughts of all sitting in the living room listening to tunes like "'Turkey in the Straw,'" or "Little Brown Jug." He had many stories to tell of life's tribulations.

Also I remember the family outings. I remember how Mom used to laugh so hard that tears would roll down her eyes about things that happened in her life. Relating stories, though, were tough and sad times, but she had a way of looking back and bring out the humorous side of each situation.

Pat - The grandchildren always wanted a horsey ride on Dad's foot, but when he was too tired he would tell them, "Grandpa has a bone in his leg." They would go away feeling sorry for him, and leave him alone. I remember the nightly visits I had with mom on the phone. I would always call before 11:00 p.m. and she would be waiting. We had many good laughs, and she felt she knew all of my friends and fellow workers personally just from our talks.

Gene - I remember the weekly ritual of going to Mom and Pop,'s to play cards. It meant a great deal to them.

Epilogue

John and Gertrude, Mom and Pop, Grandma and Grandpa - however you knew them they still have a special place in everyone's heart. A complete stranger reading this story couldn't help but to get a feeling for how special these two people were to all of us. Working on this story has allowed us the opportunity to indulge ourselves in reminiscing. We hope you will do the same by reading it frequently.

Bill and Mary Lou — 1987

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