Julette Stroh

MADISON-Julie Stroh, age 93, long time resident of Madison, formerly of Freeport, Illinois died peacefully in her sleep at HospiceCare, Inc., Fitchburg on Wednesday, August 19, 2009.\r\n She was born in Freeport, Julette Mathilda Donstad on November 21, 1915 to George and Edna Donstad. She was married to Karl Stroh, (deceased) and together had three daughters: Michaelle Stroh, Taylor Falls, KY., Janet Kohn (Harold Lasley), Belleville, WI., and Sandra (Dave) Ripp Cross Plains, WI. In the 1950\'s Julie enrolled in a correspondence course and started a re-weaving business to supplement her family\'s income. She worked at a small table in the basement of their home literally re-weaving damaged clothing for the local dry cleaners and residents of Freeport before and after working hours at her other job in the sports wear department of F. A. Read Co. From Read\'s she moved to Carson Pirie Scott in Rockford, Lane Bryant in Cincinnati, Ohio and finally settled in Madison working for Carmen\'s, The Emporium and most recently at Woldenberg\'s in Hilldale Mall. She retired reluctantly in 2001 at age 85 after more than 50 years in women\'s fashion. She was a woman of impeccable style to her dying day. \r\n Having never learned to drive, she looked forward to vacations by bus every chance she got, touring Canada and the U.S., making friends and gaining pen pals from all over. In addition to traveling Julie loved a good cold beer, the competition of a friendly Scrabble game, crossword puzzles and most specially, spending time with her grandchildren. Nothing brought more joy to her life than her family.Julie was a faithful member of Bethel Lutheran Church and enjoyed her work at the Parish Shop after retirement.She leaves behind her daughters, son-in-law, eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Evelyn Pivot and brothers, George and Everett. \r\n Her family would like to thank Ron and the staff at Hilldale Towers, her wonderful new friends at Sienna Crest in Oregon, WI for their warm welcome and her Care Wisconsin team who supported and guided us through her transition to assisted living the past year.To the in-patient staff at HospiceCare, Inc. words cannot express our gratitude for your many kindnesses and the loving care you provided our Mom/Grandma this week. Please know that you are in our hearts forever. You helped make her journey from this earth memorable in every way. We will never forget you. \r\n Memorial services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2009 with the Reverend Curt Everson presiding. Family and friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. \r\n In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. \r\n Visitation: Family and friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Service: Memorial services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2009 with the Reverend Curt Everson presiding