Hilda Winkowitsch Steurer

Hilda was a friendly person with a beautiful smile who truly cared about those around her. She was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Winkowitsch born and raised on the south side of Chicago in an ethnic neighborhood of German speaking people from Austria. As a child she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits she would carry with her throughout her life.

Preferring a quiet environment, Hilda had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. She was raised with one younger sister, Dorothy, and they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences. Hilda was an active member of St. George Parish. She attended dances, picnics and functions.

Hilda had a great memory all of her life and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. She was good with details and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. She graduated from St. George School in 1938. After high school, she worked in an office in the Chicago Stock Yards. Later in her life she worked in the family business.

Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a good friend. The friends that she made, Hilda kept. While growing up some of her best friends were Mitzi, Irene, Wilma, Helen and Sis. They were close friends since age five and still remain friends.

On June 10, 1944 Hilda married the love of her life, Frank V. Steurer at St. George Church of Chicago. Frank called Hilda while on leave from the Navy during World War ll. He had two weeks and would come home only if she married him. A beautiful wedding was planned in this short time. Hilda and Frank grew up in this community and parish. They were grade school sweethearts and were married for 40 years.

Hilda was blessed with four children, two sons, Frank and the late Johnny, and two daughters, Helen and Joann. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren Wendy, Scott, Todd, Nicole, Brittany, Shawn and Jenny, and twelve great grandchildren, Brandon, Sydney, Amanda, Dean, Grant, Bryce, Kendall, Anna, Ryan, Jake, Hunter and Clara.

She enjoyed dancing....especially the polka and waltz to German music. She also enjoyed playing cards and games.

An individual who maintained traditional values, Hilda's Catholic faith was very important to her. She was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church for 50 years. During that time, she was involved with St. Joan of Arc Senior luncheons. She loved going to Mass and saying the Rosary.

Favorite vacations included Austria and Germany in 1978 with Frank. She met many of her relatives for the first time. Another favorite trip was an Alaskan cruise with her daughters, Helen and Joann. Other memorable trips were Colorado and Las Vegas with her sister, Dorothy and sister-in-law Marian.

She retired with her husband, Frank in 1978. Her new life involved building a lovely ranch home in Lisle where they lived for ten years. Hilda and Frank also built a retirement home in the north woods of Wisconsin.

After Frank passed away, she moved to Cameo in Downers Grove, Illinois. Even in retirement, Hilda continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. She had many wonderful friends at Cameo.

Hilda passed away on October 13, 2010 in her home at Cameo in Downers Grove, Illinois. After back surgery, she developed aspiration pneumonia. She is survived by her daughters, Helen and Joann, and her son, Frank. Hilda is also survived by her grandchildren, Wendy, Scott, Todd, Nicole, Brittany, Shawn and Jenny, and her great grandchildren, Brandon, Sydney, Amanda, Dean, Grant, Bryce, Kendall, Anna, Ryan, Jake, Hunter and Clara.

Hilda will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery, in Chicago, Illinois.There is a monument with Frank, her husband, Johnny her son and Hilda's grave on one side. On the other side are her parents, Joseph and Mary.

Hilda was a loving and caring Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother to all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is once again reunited with her beloved husband, Frank. We will cherish many memories of her life. She will be missed very much.

Hilda Steurer, age 86, nee Winkowitsch, beloved wife of the late Frank, devoted mother of Helen (Don) Ramsbottom, Frank (Mary Beth) Steurer, Joann (Tom) Merten and the late Johnny Steurer; loving grandmother of 7 and great grandmother of 11. Dear sister of Dorothy (late Ray) Yenchus. Fond aunt and great aunt of many. Visitation Sunday 3-8 pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., Lisle (on Rt. 53, ½ mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34) where funeral services will begin Monday 9:15 am and proceed to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 am. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America,Brave Heart Team 2200 E. Devon Ave., Suite 351, Des Plaines, IL 60018. www.ccfa.com For info, call 630-964-9392