Jan
13
2012
One week ago today, my mother turned 100—a milestone, to say the least. She was born, Eva Margaret Konitzer, on January 6th, 1912, one of sixteen children on a farm south of Oconto Falls, WI, three months before the sinking of the Titanic. Two years later, WWll broke out, although at age two, she recalls little of it. Then, the “Roaring 20s” (she was still a pre-teen) and the parents’ worry! At 19 she married my dad, Leonard, on June 13th, 1929.
Dad and her lived and made it through the “Crash of 29″, followed by “The Great Depression”. “Oh, the humanities” were words that echoed through the world with the Hindenburg disaster in 37. She saw the onset of WWll in ’39 at the age of 27, and the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 that led us out of isolationism—Mom was 29 and witnessed its end May, 8th, 1945 at 33-years-old. The Korean War (the “Silent War”—’50-’53) brought many to their black-and-white round-screen televisions to witness its horror. Of course, there was the Vietnam War from ’56 to ’75; seems no end to the conflicts.
The “Space Race” started with the Russians when they launch the first orbiting satellite, “Sputnik”, in ’57—a 23″ basketball-size marvel that stepped up the “Cold War” with Russia; a race for space-dominance. The U. S. launched “Echo 1″ on August 12th, 1960; all eyes looking skyward at night for the 135′ diameter orbiter’s reflection as it passed overhead; the focus of the first space venture involving cooperation between the U.S.S.R. and the U.S.—she was 48. Then came the landing on the Moon in 1969. I can go on…
I’ve only touched on a few moments through her remarkable tenure, longevity and perseverance! To celebrate her January 6th birthday, Mom wanted a big party. Her children (Ginger, Karen, Kay and me) launched off to have a grand event—under her direction! We decided on Machute’s Supper Club in Two Rivers—one of her favorite places—and made a list to send invitations. Out of the 150 invited, 144 showed up, some driving 60 or more miles to join in and share her life and to pay tribute to a woman and mother who has gone through and done so much in life and for others—there’s not enough room to express the latter.
With that said, life for Mother goes on! With lasting love, we wish her well and the fullest enjoyment of life. She flew back with us to our winter home in Bradenton, FL to spend time away from the cold and snow of Two Rivers. She was exhausted after the grand event and flight here, but is doing well. Presently, after her breakfast, she’s napping (she takes several power-naps a day!). Here are but a few of the 70 photos Shirley took last Sunday at the party. Roger
(Click on pics to enlarge)
Me, Karen Ginger, Kay and Mom.
Serenaded to Happy Birthday by young Sam!
I had to throw these hams in! Ben, Stephenie, Cullen and Brittany Stangel!
Our more immediate family circle!
Jan
11
2012
January 12th is my wife’s (Shirley’s) birthday. I never tell a woman’s age, but at 63, she’s 9 years my junior. We’ve been married going-on 23 years.
Call me schlocky, but those of you who have known us intimately as friends, you know Shirley as a loving, caring, giving, appreciative, hard-working and lovely lady with an unfaltering lifting spirit; brings you up; makes you feel good—she’s always like that, even with me! And, those who have known what we have been through through all these years, know of how she has been my loving and loyal partner; at my side through thick and thin, sickness and health.
Words here or anywhere are difficult to find to express my love for her. Happy birthday, dear, now and forever—I want no other. You haven’t changed a bit through these years! You look marvelous… simply marvelous! Love, Rog
Jan
5
2012
First of all, I appreciated the posts from Dick and Dave; keep it up and help me out! Thanks!
We’re flying out at 6:30 PM today from Sarasota airport—about 15 minutes from here—to Milwaukee; then to Two Rivers to stay with my sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Bob Strohm tonight. Tomorrow, Friday the 6th, we head over to visit and wish my mother Happy Birthday on her 100th b-day, Jan 6th!
From Mom’s, we’re headed to Kelly Lake tomorrow afternoon (Friday) to check out our WI home (KL) and to visit and stay with Jenny (Shirley’s sister) and her hubby, Greg (AKA “Squeaky”) Curtis; who knows what to expect! We’re thinking of dinner at Romy’s Holiday Inn at Kelly Lake. Perhaps we’ll run into some of you!
Saturday, we’re headed to Peshtigo to visit my daughter, Becky, husband, Tye and the three grandkids, Brenna, Evan and Nathan—a late Christmas get-together! Really looking forward to that!
Back to Two Rivers from Peshtigo early afternoon, but not without a stop and visit first with Kelly Lake friends, Gary and Kathy Clevers in Green Bay. Would like to visit with TR friends, Bill and Sherri Glandt Saturday evening; never a dull moment with them. Staying Saturday night with sister Karen, again.
Sunday is the 100th birthday party for my mother at Machute’s Supper Club in TR; 150 people RSVP-ed that their coming; weather looking good for travel! It’ll be a grand occasion!!!
Sunday and Monday nights we’re staying with friends, Don and Sharon Stangel in TR; get out the guitars! We’re hoping Don’s brother, Al and his wife, Sue, can join us! That’ll really be a blast… all long time friends and many good times! No plans for Monday.
Tuesday, we fly back to Bradenton, FL with my mother! It’s indefinite how long she’ll stay with us. That’s our itinerary, schedule and agenda! Hope we run into you in the next five days; we’re looking forward to a busy/filled trip! It’s 70 and sunny here as I speak; weather looks mild in WI. Should be a great trip! Roger
Sunday
Jan
4
2012
We drilled a few samples to see how thick the ice was. Then a game of catch.
Dick Ryan
Jan
4
2012
Here are pix of the lake from the south end on New Years. The date stamp on the camera is off. The ice was about 9″ thick and several ice fishing huts were already out. The weather was mild before New Years but turned tough on Sunday.
