Georgia Rose Williams
May 08, 1937 - February 02, 2019
Obituary
MADISON- Georgia R. (Kreuzer) Williams, age 81, died peacefully on the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, after a 12-year battle with Parkinson’s.
She was born May 8, 1937 in Cedarburg, Wis., to Joseph and Dorothy (Kornely) Kreuzer, the first of six children; the others included Louise, Joseph, Mary, Richard, and Karl.
Georgia graduated 1955 from Cedarburg High School and from the University of Wisconsin in 1959 with a degree in Occupational Therapy. She worked several years as an OT at Mendota State Hospital (later renamed Mendota Mental Health Institute).
In 1959, she married Kenneth Spielman and together they had three children: Gerald, Kathryn, and Joanne. Georgia and Ken later divorced. She married Michael Williams in 1984.
Georgia was an accomplished musician who was sure to pass her appreciation of music to following generations. She played church organ, clarinet, oboe, piano and other instruments. For many years she played oboe and English horn in the Madison Wisconsin Symphony, and later in the Washington-Idaho Symphony and the Pullman, Washington Community Band.
Already a busy woman; she made time available to operate her own hand soap company “Georgia’s Soapworks”, selling her goods at craft fairs, flea markets, and anywhere else she could. She had a great interest in photography, and even worked for the Cedarburg News as a photographer for a while. Georgia was also an accomplished quilter and had supplied quilts to many family members and even adorned her walls with them. An avid traveler, she made many road trips with her children when they were young. Georgia took her kids in the car and visited national parks, monuments, and historic sites; all the while educating them. Her habit of imparting knowledge continued years later when she would take her grandsons on the road.
Georgia is survived by two children, Gerald (Ruth) Spielman of Madison and Joanne (Robert Nelson) St. Charles of Meridian, Ind.; three grandchildren, Daniel (Noelle) Graveen of Wausau, Adam (Becky) Graveen of Marshfield, and Philip (Ashley) Graveen of Wausau; four great-grandchildren, Michael, Kahlan, Emmet, and “on the way” Graveen; and her siblings, Mary (the late Tyrone) Rennicke, Richard “Dick” (Susan) Kreuzer, and Karl “Bud” (Teresa) Kreuzer.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Louise in 1951; husband, Michael in 1991; daughter, Kathryn in 2002, and her brother, Joseph in 2016. Georgia was also predeceased by many dearly loved dogs that she cared for over the years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Antigo, Wis., next to her husband Michael.
Donations may be made in Georgia's name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
Events
Mass of Christian Burial
Sat May 4, 2019 @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church (Madison) • 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of Georgia have been shared yet.
Memories
AG
Adam Graveen
Other •
Of all the road trips she had taken and the destinations she had seen through her life, the one she took last Saturday is to the greatest destination of all. Thank you Grandma Georgia for all the miles!
PG
Palouse Hills Weavers Guild
Other •
Condolences from Palouse Hills Weaving Guild in Pullman, WA. Georgia was an active member of the guild for many years. Her creativity and imagination were always admired. One of her wall hangings incorporated curved slices of felted wool woven into a tapestry representing the beautiful colors and hills of the Palouse.
JL
Janice Van Lysel
Other •
Georgia was such an interesting, intelligent, talented lady. I always enjoyed our visits, seeing her beautiful projects and our friendship. Rest In Peace Georgia, you have earned it. Janice Van Lysel
CP
Community Band of the Palouse
Other •
Community Band of the Palouse
Georgia was a longtime member of the community band that meets in Pullman WA and performs all over the Palouse region. She was a fine oboist, with a bright smile and friendly face. We will miss her.
CW
Charlotte Worthy
Other •
Georgia was a dedicated musician and a good friend. She shared her love of music with our Sacred Heart Parish as well as with the community at large. I was privileged to sing with her for many yesrs at Sacred Heart, and remember her dedication. At one time she made a CD of her organ music and I still listen to it from time to time, When Georgia had a job or mission, she was faithful to its completion. She was a strong woman and unafraid to try most things. Georgia loved her family and often spoke of them. Her grandchildren gave her many happy times. May God keep Georgia and her family safe in the palm of His hand. I pray for the repose of her soul. Charlotte Worthy
KM
Kerry Kreisman Mielcarek
Other •
Georgia and her family were neighbors long ago when they lived on Hegg Avenue and we lived on Buckeye Rd. in Madison. Georgia was my first employer when she hired me at 14 to babysit Jerry and a few months later, Kathy. She taught me babies were stronger than they appeared, introduced me to breastfeeding, showed me the ways of weimaraner dogs (Duchess), and even how to shoot a gun when a man had been lurking around the next door church parking lot. I remember her kitchen table was always covered with fabric for clothing she was sewing for others. For me, she made a graduation dress. Georgia gave me my first pair of earrings (screw-on) and when I left for college, she gave me a small porcelain basket. I still have both.
Georgia gave oboe lessons to my best friend’s sister who went on to be an oboist in Boston.
In my mind, Georgia should be around 35, balancing her active life with children, dogs, sewing, and music and sharing her knowledge and skills with others the way she did with me about 55 years ago.
Jerry and JoAnn, you have my sympathy. I was lucky to have known your mother especially at the impressionable age of a young teenager.
Kerry Kreisman Mielcarek