Gertrude Zielinski

GERTRUDE ELEANOR ZIELINSKI died at Northstar Health System on November 16 at the age of 89 after a lengthy illness. She was born in Crystal Falls on February 22, 1922, sixth of ten children to the late Anthony and Mary ( Latch) Krajewski. Gertrude attended the Maple Grove Elementary and Forest Park High Schools graduating in 1939. After graduation she worked at the City Cash and Carry store in Crystal Falls and at the Crystal Manor (now Crystal View Apartments) as a day clerk and a bookkeeper. On June 26,1943, she married Stanley Frank Zielinski at the Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Crystal Falls with Rev. Father Joseph Gondek presiding. The couple then made their home in Iron River. They celebrated their sixty-fourth wedding anniversary in 2007. Stanley preceded her in death in February 2008. During WWII she lived in Richmond, Virginia while her husband was stationed at Camp Lee. In May of 1944 she moved back to Crystal Falls after her husband was deployed overseas to the European Theater. At home she kept busy with their new daughter, living most of the time with Stanley's parents in Iron River or with her family in Crystal Falls, where she joined civil defense and watched for enemy planes from the tower at the court house. After her husband returned from the war she moved back to Iron River to help her husband, along with her father-in-law, manage the White Eagle Bar as bookkeeper. She and her husband ran the bar until 1986. Gertrude was a gentle, warm, loving and compassionate person who cherished her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an excellent homemaker and was an outstanding cook and baker and was well known for her Polish dishes and desserts. No one ever left her house hungry. She also loved playing the piano, singing and dancing. Gertrude was a member of the former Assumption Catholic Church until its closure upon which she joined St. Cecelia's Catholic Church/ St. Agnes Catholic Church. She was a member of the Rosary Sodality and the St. Agnes Altar Society. Gertrude was also a member of the church choirs where she contributed with both a beautiful alto and soprano voice. Music and singing were very dear to heart. She took so much pride in being a faithful and dedicated choir member. Gertrude was very proud of her Polish heritage and enjoyed singing in Polish. She was instrumental in starting the first Polish Day held at the Iron County Museum and every year after until Polish Days were terminated. Besides being a member of the Assumption Choir Plus Five (Polish singing group), she provided wonderful Polish foods and display items for the event. Along with her parents and in-laws, Victoria and John Zielinski, Gertrude was also preceded in death by three brothers; Alex Krajeski, John Trojan and Walter Krajewski, two sisters; Genevieve Koenig and Rose Maki, two nieces; Clarice Lamprecht and Helen Metros, one nephew, Jeffery Moore and one infant granddaughter, Trudie Ellen Spencer. Also preceding her in death were two brothers-in-law, Joseph Zielinski and Martin Metros; six sisters-in-law, FayeKrajewski, Elaina Krajewski, Juanita Krajeski, Mary Trojan, Ceceil Zielinski and Lucille Metros. Gertrude is survived by her son Stanley Greg Zielinski of Iron River; one daughter Cheryl Ann (Raymon) Spencer of Iron River; one grandson James (Emily) Spencer of Midland, Michigan; one granddaughter Denise Alexandra Spencer (Haluk Emiroglu) of New York, NY and two great granddaughters Cara Michelle and Jenna Rae Spencer of Midland, Michigan. Also surviving are three brothers; Anton Robert (Pauline) Krajewski of Bear Valley, California; Leonard (Luetta) Krajewski of Crystal Falls; Bruno (Arlene) Krajewski of Crystal Falls and one sister Rosemarie Styn of Crystal Falls. Special nieces Shauna Moore and Alicia Morton, both of Crystal Falls, also survive along with several other nieces, nephews and extended family. Judy Mariani of Iron River, a lifelong good friend, also survives. Visitation will be held Monday, November 21 from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. The Mass of Christian Burial in the Polish language will be celebrated by the Rev. Father Gregory Veneklase at the St Agnes Catholic Church on Monday, November 21, at 11:00 a.m. The Rosary Sodality will form an Honor Guard. Pall bearers will be James Spencer, Raymon Spencer, Brian Bengry, Bobby John Wercinski, Marshall Styn and David Morton. Music will be provided by the Resurrection Choir with Luella Ambach as organist Special selections will include, "I Will Come to You in the Silence", Gounods "Ave Marie", and "Panis Angelicus". Polish selections sung by Father Gregory Veneklase are Serdeczna Matko (Beloved Mother) and "Bote'Pozdrowione". The eulogy will be given by David Morton. Family and friends may light a candle in remembrance of Gertrude. Her belief in lighting candles was very strong. The Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River is serving the family.

Gertrude Zielinski

November 16, 2011