Bertha (Flohr) Kalkwarf, Jane's mother and my mother-in-law for the past 25 years, died Sunday evening. She was 87 years old. She has been in the nursing home for the past couple years and has been battling to overcome the effects of a stroke she suffered 3 weeks ago. Now she is in heaven with her husband of 67 years who passed away last fall.
Bertha was the wife of Henry Kalkwarf who farmed in the Central Illinois area. They both lived in that area their entire lives and were proud of their German heritage. Bertha was a devout Lutheran. She was well known in our area for her many talents which included singing duets with her husband in the church choir, sewing, upholstering, cooking and my personal favorite -- pie baking. She was the quintessential matriarch of the family. We all laughed at her ability to get her family in gear at her command. She treated me well and rewarded me with pies from time to time. I would stop short of saying I was her favorite, but once she found out I could hang wallpaper, I was instantly in her good graces. She put me to work and I delivered. She was one busy and determined woman, and liked to have things "just so" even right down to the end.
When her health deteriorated and her husband died last fall, she lost her zest for life. Without her beloved husband, "Heinie" she really was loss. Now they are together once again. I understand this completely, and if I lost Jane I'm not sure I could carry on either. We have come to learn what people who lose loved ones mean when they say, "it was a blessing."
I have a great spot on the side of our garage at home for some make believe advertising I did in Bertha's honor a few years ago. I painted a portrait of her (ala Betty Crocker) on an apron and it had the caption "Grandma Kalkwarf's Homemade Illinois Pie -- With a Taste of Country in Every Bite." I ran that past Jane and she thought that would be a good tribute and a reminder of the strength and determination that is needed in life.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
Bill, what a colorfull description, She and her husband sounded like great people full of character.
It's plain to see the kind of impact they may have made on thier community and I fully agree lives such as those should be celebrated, even amidst the sorrow of passing.
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
Thank you for letting us know, Bill. I know that Jane has been having a very hard time with this lately. I will continue to pray for Jane. I am sure that her mom and dad are together now. And you all have some wonderful memories of them both to share and pass down through the ages. I do believe that death is just the final stage of life on earth, and while it is hard for those left remaining, the person who passes on is in a beautiful new life free of pain and sorrow. You are in my thoughts. Love...Jill
Posted by faye adele welsh (Member # 4164) on :
bill and jane, i am so sad to hear of your loss. she sounds like a wonderful person to know. people like that are what makes life worth living. must be why jane and you are such special people. take care and i will remember you in my prayers.fiddles
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
Sorry to hear that. We're thinking about you guys.
Posted by Jeff Spradling (Member # 1615) on :
Jane and Bill...sorry to here of your loss...you're in our thoughts too.
Lisa, Luke, Fred, and Almost
Posted by Suelynn Sedor (Member # 442) on :
I'm so sorry to hear that. Please give Jane a hug and tell her its from me.
Suelynn
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
I'm here with hugs too.
You are in our thoughts and our hearts go out to you both.
Nettie
Posted by Barry Jenicek (Member # 2281) on :
Jane and Bill,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Jane & Bill...please accept our condolences and may all the fond memories of your Mom comfort you at this sad time.
[ June 14, 2004, 01:50 PM: Message edited by: Barb. Shortreed ]
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
Please give Jane a hug from me too.
Posted by Kathy Joiner (Member # 1814) on :
So sorry to learn of yur loss. But it surely sounds that you and Jane have realized that she had a full and rewarding life. My prayers are with you both. My mother-in-law was my other mother. Good in-laws are a blessing.
I lost my Mom three and one half yrs. ago. Today would have been my parent's 65 anniversary. Friday was Mom's birthday. Tell Jane she is blessed in that she will remember with joy the wonderful Mom she had. I have learned that not everyone is as fortunate as we are.
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
Sorry for your loss, and I really like that advertising/tribute idea.
Posted by Rick Chavez (Member # 2146) on :
Bill, thank you for the great description of Jane's mother...as a father my greatest gifts are my kids, I'm sure Janes mother felt the same way...give my thoughts to Jane through her time, her and your love and experiences you had for her and her husband is the best memorial to her, cherish the great times and your wife, I can tell you both have the same bond as they did.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
Just came in today for a little to do a little bookeeping and check my mail. Thank you all so much for your kind words and thoughts. We had such a nice turnout of friends and family for the funeral and although I will really miss my Mom (and Dad who died in October) she lived a great life and was a devoted wife, great Mom, talented seamstress, a good Christian who LIVED her faith, not just talked about it and very giving person...always doing something for someone who she thought needed a pie or a crocheted doily or just a pat on the back. I am very PROUD to call her my Mom! Thank you again for thinking of my family. P.S. I realized not only how lucky I was to have such great parents, but what a wonderful husband and children I have who stood by me and loved them just as much as I did!
[ June 17, 2004, 01:32 PM: Message edited by: Jane Diaz ]
