Obit: Andrjeski, Lucille Clara (1925 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Andrjeski, Borkowski, Bowman, Celske, Fitzpatrick, Guthman, Hattamer, Kostner, Munger, Spooner, Walker

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 1/30/2014

Andrjeski, Lucille “Lou” Clara (Celske) (25 DEC 1925 - 9 JAN 2014)

Lucille Andrjeski
Former Lake Holcombe resident Lucille "Lou" Andrjeski, 88, Gilman, died on Thursday, Jan. 9 at Gilman Care Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Feb. 22 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Gilman.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin assisted the family with arrangements.

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----Source: The Cremation Society of Wisconsin online obituary

Lou Andrjeski, age 88, passed on into the arms of our Heavenly Father on January 9, 2014 at the Gilman Care Center in the company of her family and surrounded with love.

Lucille Clara was the 4th child born to Albert and Jesse (Borkowski) Celske on Christmas Eve 1925 near Conrath, WI on the banks of Main Creek. In her teens Lou worked in Chippewa Falls, graduated from Tony High School, spent time working in Chicago and learned welding at night school.

She returned home to marry the love of her life, Boyd Andrjeski and they enjoyed 54 years together until his death in 1998. They raised six children, teaching them about faith, family, fun and hard work.

Lou and Boyd farmed a few years near Conrath. They spent some time in Milwaukee and then bought a small resort on Lake Holcombe in 1952, naming it Silver Bridge Resort. Lou lived and worked on the resort for the next 53 years.

Lou took great pride in her children and their families. She displayed photos of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren for all to see. Gramma Lou attended baptisms and weddings, school activities, dance recitals and ball games, sharing time and making memories.

Lou was an avid gardener, planting many trees, growing vegetables and 8′ tall flowers. She fed the birds and squirrels, and filled her yard and home with nature’s beauty. Lou took on the challenge of building a castle, making it the centerpiece of her landscaping and the focal point of most family photos over the years. Lou loved to feed people her specialties such as apple pie, turtle soup, and pickled mushrooms. She hosted a Polish Christmas Party each fall for many to enjoy over the years. An accomplished cribbage player, she passed the love of the game on to family and friends.

Lou loved the opportunity to travel, from camping with Boyd in “Old Blue” to a trip to Italy, she grabbed every opportunity to experience life. These experiences included a dance with Lawrence Welk in Hollywood, wading in the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, a cruise in the Caribbean, and visiting many places such as Oklahoma City, NYC and West Point.

In 2005, Lou had hip replacement surgery, endured a car accident, which broke her back, and then a surprising forced retirement. She enjoyed some retirement time in Holcombe before moving to her own little home and garden in Gilman, where she made new friends and joined the garden club. Lou suffered a debilitating stroke in March 2010. For a woman who spent her life talking, laughing and loving people, the loss of speech and mobility were devastating but Lou maintained her sense of humor and smile throughout her ordeal. She had wonderful caregivers at the Home Place in Stanley and the Gilman Care Center.

Lou is survived by her six children: Dale (Cathy) Andrjeski of Morris, IL, Darlene (Jerry) Kostner of Pewaukee, WI, Gloria Fitzpatrick of Dubuque, IA, Lynn (Alan) Walker of Altadena CA, Pamm (Norm) Spooner of Gilman and Michael Andrjeski of Chippewa Falls; 19 grandchildren: Jason, Landon, Katya, Jessica, Amanda, Alex, Erica, Shannan, Adam, Regan, Wesley, Claire, Angela, Nolan, Jesse, Jacob, Derek, Courtney, Lucas; 29 great-grandchildren; four brothers: Casey, George, Willie (Leonard), and Tony; four sisters: Caroline Bowman, Doat Hattamer, Gert Guthman, Mary Munger; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Boyd; a grandson Nathan; one brother Ted; and two sisters: Florence and Virginia.

The family will receive visitors at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 315 E Davlin St, Gilman, on Saturday, February 22,2014 beginning at 9 am followed by 11 am Mass of Christian Burial.