Ilga Lidija Rodell

MADISON - llga L. (Peskovs) Rodell age 95, passed away peacefully in her Madison, Wis., home of over fifty years. llga was born June 10, 1926, to parents Eduards and Ekaterina Peskovs in Riga, Latvia, the youngest of three children. Her brothers, Alfreds and Viktors, preceded her in death. llga grew up in Riga, Latvia, as a child during a very traumatic and life-altering period in history. With the emergence of World War II in Eastern Europe, the atrocities she witnessed during the war, followed by resettlement to a Displaced Persons Camp in Germany after the War, llga learned from a young age that being fiercely independent would give her the strength to overcome most insurmountable obstacles. Learning multiple languages at an early age enabled her to effectively communicate with both friendly and hostile environments. English was the most difficult language which she learned from the American Military Forces while in Germany after the war. llga and her parents were eventually sponsored to relocate to the United States. They arrived by passenger ship from Bremerhaven to New York on Dec. 21, 1950, when she was 24 years old. The family continued their journey by train, arriving two days later to Madison, Wis., without their three pieces of luggage which went to the west coast. The early years in America were very difficult, but Ilga's "independence" pushed her to succeed by improving her English language. She attended evening classes at the School of Business and taught ballet, while being a creative entrepreneur working to establish a better life for her and her aged parents. Being a detail-focused individual, llga was able to establish herself as the business manager for the Checker Taxi Company for many years. She loved to be in full control of her environment. Juggling a new career in a new country coupled with raising three boys required great strength and determination. Mom always made sure we were well supervised, taught to respect others and to act Iike "little gentlemen" as she would say. When meeting people, llga was a larger-than-life personality. She was always awash with one of her numerous stories (very tall tales in some instances) as she had the gift for gab. However, in her personal life she was very closely guarded, never wanting to be vulnerable. Looking back at her early childhood experiences during the war, she would say "everyone loses something in a war." Mom took great pride in her home of over 50 years, meticulously making certain her yard and plantings were always well groomed and the inside always tidy and organized. Later in life, her home became her respite to recall fond memories of her family, keeping her finances in check and to just be herself without having to answer to anyone. llga was preceded in death by her first husband, Gunars S. Markovskis; and second husband, Albin C. Rodell. She is survived by her sons, John (Patricia) of Oconomowoc, Wis., Victor (Kristine) of Island Lake, Ill., and Edward Rodell of Waunakee, Wis.; grandchildren; Erin Rodell (Joey Krebs), Sarah Rodell (Raquel Sanchez), Nicholas (Alicia) Rodell , Jacob Rodell, Cody Rodell and Autumn Rodell; and great-grandchildren, Lidija and Valdon. Living a long life can be challenging. Recently mom stated, "Why am I still alive? With all the death and hardships I have experienced…why me?" Fortunately, mom had her feisty independent spirit along with many guardian angels watching over her. She will now be able to reunite with others she knew who were less fortunate. Mom touched so many lives during her lifetime, once you met llga, you never forgot her. We will miss you mom! A celebration of her life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. Following the celebration of life, the family invites everyone to KAVANAUGH’S ESQUIRE CLUB, 1025 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, for refreshments and fellowship. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420