Memorial Resolution for Katharina Milleker
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that members of this Chamber learned of the passing of Katharina Milleker on November 20, 2018 at the age of 104; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Katharina was born on December 30, 1913, in Krcedin, Serbia to loving parents, Elisabeth and Heinrich Lehr. She was the youngest of five children and the longest living; and
WHEREAS, Katharina met and married the love of her life, Valentin Milleker in Belgrade, Serbia on February 22, 1932 and were blessed with one son. The family immigrated to the United States from Austria in 1951 and settled in Chicago and moved into the 39th Ward in 1978; and
WHEREAS, together, Katharina and Valentin created a warm and nurturing home for the family they adored. Their son William married his devoted wife, Katherine, whom will be celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. They blessed Katharina with three grandchildren, Bill, Susan and Linda, who lived nearby, attended Queen of All Saints Elementary School, and with whom they enjoyed a close and loving relationship. Katharina was always available to baby sit on short notice and delighted in her visits with the grandchildren after their school day was over; and
WHEREAS, The family continued to grow, and by the time of her passing, Katharina had five great-grandchildren, each who also lived in Chicago or surrounding area; and
WHEREAS, on holidays and her birthday, the entire family would gather at Katharina's house for the celebration, a tradition that continued throughout her life. Katharina was an immensely generous person, and it was also her tradition to give gifts to the great grandchildren on her own birthday; and
WHEREAS, during her retirement years Katharina enjoyed senior travels, reading, TV programs, and working in her flower garden; and
WHEREAS, Katharina lived a long and full life, witnessing over a century of changes in politics, commerce, inventions, and more. Longevity ran in the family. Katharina's mother lived to be 100 and her sister, Barbara, to the age of 103. Remarkably, it was only in the last three years that Katharina required at-home assistance. She passed in her sleep, December 20th, 2018; and
WHEREAS, Katharina leaves to cherish her memory, her adored son William (Katherine); her cherished grandchildren, Bill, Susan, and Linda; her precious great-grandchildren, Kate, Anna, Dean, Leni and Sarah; and, many extended family and treasured friends; and
WHEREAS, Katharina's compassion, generosity, and loving spirit touched the lives of all those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and most fondly remembered; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered together this thirteenth day of March, 2019, do hereby express our most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Katharina Milleker; and