GERDA HOOVER
Gerda Waltraud Hoover died on August 8, 2019, at Beacon Hill, her home in Lombard. She was born March 17, 1927, to Erich and Maria Wolff, landowners in East Prussia, Province of Germany. An only child, Gerda grew up at a peaceful time in a beautiful farming area she described as a land of dark forests and crystal-like lakes, home to elk and the famous Trakehner pure breed horses.
The idyllic time was interrupted in the winter of 1945 at the end of World War II when she and her mother fled from the advancing Russian troops. Her father, too old for the military, had been called to serve digging ditches to stop the tanks. Despite a perilous and difficult journey they managed to get to Hamburg where they had relatives and were reunited.
Gerda graduated from the “Gymnasium,” entered the University of Hamburg, and graduated with a teaching degree. Before starting her career in Germany she was part of a group chosen by the U.S. Dept. of Education to spend a year in America studying the educational system. During her year in the U.S. she reconnected with Keith Hoover, an American student she had met when he was on a special study program at the University of Hamburg. They married in 1952 and settled in the Chicago area.
Gerda completed the course work necessary for teaching in the U.S. and later earned an M.A. in German literature from Northwestern University. She taught German at Hinsdale Central High School for twenty-two years and later at Elmhurst College. Gerda always enjoyed having her students succeed—nine of her 3rd and 4th level students earned all expense paid study trips to Germany sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of German.
During retirement she participated in community and church activities, but mostly devoted time to writing, encouraged by her husband. After Dr. Hoover’s death in 2003 she published four books of poems and stories. She continued actively writing until her death.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at York Center Church of the Brethren, 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL.
CHARLOTTE D. SCHRAFT
Charlotte D. Schraft, nee Hedberg, age 95, of Lombard, died September 8, 2019, at Central DuPage Hospital.
Charlotte was the beloved wife, of 51 years, of the late Robert E. She was the dear mother of Charlene Ruedel, of Cherry Valley, Illinois, Robert Jr. (Janice) of Campton Hills and the late William of Lombard; adored grandmother 10, Sharon Laske, Lauren (Bill) Fedor, James Schneider, Arron (Dawn), Blake (Gordana), Callie, Carrie, Michael, Scott (Nicole) and Jessica; great-grandmother of 15, Tyler, Kyle, Bryce, Jaymee, Jacob, Megan, Avery, Charlotte, Scottie, Wyatt, Janessa, Ava, the late Brooklynn, the late Brayden and the late Adalynn; great-great-grandmother of Jailyn; and 2 sisters, Lois Gaylord of Arizona and Betty (Wally) Radtke of Lombard. Also survived by her daughter-in-law, Janet (John) Schraft-Gianatasio.
She was preceded in death by her father, the late Leonard Hedberg; her mother, the late Florence; her stepfather, the late Leo Birr; her son, the late William; and her infant brother.
Charlotte was born January 4, 1924, in Chicago. After her father died, her mother brought her to Lombard so they could live with relatives when she was three. Her mother married Leo Birr, who then was her stepfather for many years until his death. She attended Glenbard West High School and met Robert Schraft, who attended York High School. Soon after graduating they married. Charlene was their first child. With WWII going on, Robert ended up in the Army and on his way to Japan. After coming home, their next child was Robert, Jr. in 1946 and 10 years later, William.
Charlotte was an excellent mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was very proud of all of them and loved her large collection of pictures and picture type items of each child.
She loved planning and preparing for the next family get together for a holiday or event. Her Watergate salad and baked beans were often requested. A day shopping was a perfect day to her. The advertisements in the Sunday paper would be examined carefully every week.
Charlotte was a former member of the Republican Women’s Club. She formerly lived at 212 W. St. Charles Road where she was active with her neighbors.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 14, with a Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Interment will follow at Arlington Cemetery, Elmhurst.
Memorials to the American Cancer Society, 1801 S. Meyers Road, Suite 100, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, would be appreciated.
Visit www.brustfuneralhome.com or call 888-629-0094 for information.
ANNA MARIA SINKA
Anna Maria “Annemie” Sinka, nee Pracht, age 97. Beloved wife of the late George O. Sinka; loving mother of Michelle (Scott) Teschky and stepmother of George (Ruth) Sinka, and Regina Gomory; devoted grandmother of Collin Teschky, Sabella Sinka, Alex and Rick (Alicia) Gomory; preceded in death by two brothers; aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass Saturday, September 14th, 10 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1501 S. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148. Interment Assumption Cemetery.
Memorials to the Engineers Foundation of the Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604; Marianjoy Rehabilitation, 26W171 Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60187; or Vitas Hospice of Broward County, 2905 N. Commerce Pkwy Miramar, FL, 33025.
Funeral info: 630-932-1500 or www.knollcrest.net.
