GLORIA STARSZAK

Gloria J. Starszak age 84, our dear, sweet, beautiful mother passed away peacefully at home Monday afternoon on July 23, 2018, surrounded by a circle of love.  Through many illnesses and trials, she fought the good fight, she finished the race, she kept the faith – all with grace and dignity.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Robert, just 8 short months ago.  She was also proceeded in death by her father Bernard; mother Genevieve; daughter Barbara Starszak; son, David Starszak; granddaughter Catie Houser; and great granddaughter Hazel Kleberg.

She was born on September 27th, 1933 in Milwaukee, WI.  She attended Cudahy High School.  In 1951 she went to work for General Electric Company, a career, although brief, where she met the love of her life, Robert.   Their desks were across from one another.

They married in September of 1952 and began a life together.  As a homemaker and mother, she made it look easy, even with 7 kids.  She was very proud of the home she made for her family.  She had a true joy of cooking and had hundreds if not thousands of favorite recipes that she collected and perfected over the years.  Gardening and flowers were another passion of hers.  She took great pride when the flowers bloomed, and the yard looked so beautiful.  Other than Christmas, it was her favorite time of year.  Her love of a good cup of coffee was legendary – a meal wasn't complete until you finished your coffee.  Good to the last drop.

Once her kids had grown she began a career at H.C. Prange's where she worked at the service desk, cash office and gift wrap.  A gift from Gloria was always wrapped to perfection.  Christmas was amazing with presents wrapped just so. 

Gloria is survived by her son Bruce (Karen) Starszak, Marion WI; her daughter Cynthia (Mark) Sanders, Appleton; son Brian (Ellen) Starszak, Appleton; Deb Wentz (partner of daughter Barbara Starszak), Appleton; daughter Caren Starszak, Appleton; and son Christopher Starszak, Combined Locks.

Gloria loved Robert and he loved her back.  They embodied the notion that two people can become one through marriage.  This love brought them 7 children, 11 grandchildren: Amy (Paul) Bloch, Molly (Jason) Kleberg, Amanda (Adam) Fredrick, Betsy Gscheidmeier (Jessica Tummett), Ben (Amy) Sanders, Joshua (Melissa) Sanders, Lindsey (Tim) Torbeck, April (Todd) Vosters, David (Karter) Starszak, Christine Houser (fiancé Adam Crail), 22 great grandchildren & 3 children of his grandchildren who they also welcomed into their heart.

She loved to travel and had many fond memories of all the places they had gone.  It wasn't really about the destination as it was their journey together.  She shared Robert's love of spending the winter months for more than 20 years in Gulf Shores, Alabama where she made lifelong “Snowbird” friends.

Gloria's family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Misty Johnson & Dr. Lulseged Zenebe -your care and guidance were appreciated.  Special thanks to home health aides Sharon, Debbie & Arty - your care and compassion were exceptional.  Sharon – you made her time at home these past 15 months possible.  We couldn't have done it without you. 

It was important to Gloria to be grateful and say thank you.  So, she wanted her family caretakers -Christopher, Caren & Cynthia to be proud – Thank You.  You made it – you got her home.  She appreciated you more than you know.   You kept her safe, happy and healthy as God would allow.  At times it wasn't easy, at times it meant giving up so much of yourself.  But in the end, you gave her life a reason and a purpose.  She loved Wednesday night dinner club – in her words – “it made an old lady feel loved and wanted and included”.  God bless the child who honors their mother and father.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 410 Wallace St., Combined Locks, with Fr. Andrew Kysely officiating. A visitation will be held Saturday at church from 8:30 A.M. until the hour of service.