Gerturde Moskalik

Gertrude Moskalik, age 96, passed away from complications of pneumonia on December 30, 2008. Gertrude was born in Berwyn, Illinois to Victor and Stefie (Sliva) Kostka on January 26, 1912. When she was four, the family moved back to the Republic of Czechoslovakia, and lived there until Gert was 8, at which time they again moved to the United States. She married the late Michael Moskalik in 1941. They resided in LaGrange Park, Illinois until his death in 1968. Gertrude had one son, Richard, who was her pride and joy. He preceded her in death at the age of 56 in May of 2000. She was also preceded in death by her younger brother, Victor Kostka. Gert worked as a stenographer for the Food and Drug Administration, a position she loved and took great pride in until her son was born. Gert was a sweet and gentle person, kind to everyone she met, and especially loved her granddaughters, with whom she would spend hours playing cards for pennies, which inevitably and mysteriously would be won by them. They are richer for having her in their life. She was an amazing pianist, and loved classical music and opera. While attending an opera with a friend, she would type up several pages explaining the storyline (with her editorial comments) to add to her companion's enjoyment. Gert's parents were agnostics, but as a young adult, Gert questioned their decision and came on her own to a very strong Christian faith. She believed in God with all her heart. She is survived by her Daughter-in-law, Sonja Moskalik (James) Roper, her beloved granddaughters, Lynn (Michael) Cameron, Lisa (Joel) Stevens, her step-granddaughter, Shannon (Ryan) Anderson, and great grandchildren, Ethan Cameron, Sophia Stevens, Blake Anderson and Rose Anderson. No services are planned. She will be cremated and her ashes will rest along with her sons' at her parent's gravesites in Hatfield, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Madison Senior Center. ""We are the leaves of one branch, the drops of one sea, the flowers of one garden"" Jean Baptiste LaCordaire.