Martha Kathryn Kasprzak

(Née Dickrell) A woman of faith, Martha peacefully entered eternal life and was reunited with Edward, her loving husband of 70 years on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at age 96, surrounded by her family. She was born November 24, 1917, in Hilbert, WI, the oldest daughter of 16 children. Proud and loving mother of 4 sons, Gerald (Rosemary Murphy), Julian (Karen Stor), Daniel (Melody), and John (Katheryn); and 3 daughters, Kathleen (John) Smith, Rosemary (Alfred) Hoffman, and Linda (Michael) Sternig.

Survived by 22 grandchildren, Paul (Renee) Kasprzak, Steven (Lisabeth) Kasprzak, Lori (Scott) Gatzke, David (Jane Sybers) Kasprzak, Edward K. (Kimberly) Kasprzak, Mary (Michael) Brunetti, Brian (Roxanna) Kasprzak, Donald (Shelly) Smith, Kevin Smith, Carolyn Smith, Jason (Rebecca) Hoffman, Amy (Jose) Santin, Kay Hoffman, Andrew (Ashley) Kasprzak, Scott (Marianna) Kasprzak, Megan Kasprzak, Matthew (Heidi) Sternig, Mark (Elizabeth) Sternig, Luke (Jennifer) Sternig, John (Kayla) Sternig, Lauren Kasprzak, and Timothy Kasprzak, 39 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson. Further survived by brothers Nicholas (Mary) Dickrell, Roman (Rosella) Dickrell, Cletus Dickrell, Donald (Ginny) Dickrell and sisters Maryann Mytko, Sister Imelda Ann Dickrell, Ermina Mekka, Aurelia (Wilmer) Krebsbach and Theresa (Glenroy) Greuel, sister-in-law Marlene Dickrell, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Also survived by 1 brother-in-law of the Kasprzak family.

Preceded in death by her husband, Edward, her parents Nicholas and Norma (Becker) Dickrell, 3 brothers, Clement Dickrell (infant), Clarence Dickrell, Leo Dickrell and 3 sisters Elvira Minor, Cyrina Turek, and Imelda Faust, 2 sisters-in-law, 5 brothers-in-law and 1 great-grandson (infant).

Martha was born November 24, 1917 in Hilbert, WI, the oldest daughter in a family of 16 children. She grew up on the family farm, attending St. Anna grade school. At a very young age she and her sisters helped out many farmers' wives with chores and children. At age 16 Martha went to Milwaukee to work for several families. Two years later she became the maid for the E. Eggert family, owners of a well known furniture store in Milwaukee. Martha met Edward at the Roof, a popular dance hall in Milwaukee. They were married October 28, 1939 at St. Anna Church, St. Anna, WI. In 1948 they joined St. Matthias Parish at the same time Edward was building the house which would remain the family homestead until Martha's passing.

Martha was a loving mother of 7 children, whose life was spent in service to them and her husband, but also to countless others. She was a member of the St. Anne's Sodality for over 50 years, and an active member of the Mission Circle. Some of Martha's passions included cooking and baking, gardening, sewing and homemaking. She used these talents well as the head caterer of St. Matthias Parish for many years during which time she cooked and served meals with the help of many dedicated friends and volunteers from the parish; all proceeds going directly to the parish. New Year's Eve parties, Old Timer's Baseball Association banquets, weddings, ushers dances and numerous Holy Name and ushers breakfasts kept Martha busy on many a weekend.

Her service continued as a Poll Worker for the City of Milwaukee for over 40 years. She also had a commitment to the poor and hungry. Martha and Edward provided and served meals for the St. Gall's Meal Program in Milwaukee for many years. She also baked bread and cinnamon rolls to be sold for Bread for the World to feed the hungry.

Martha's life was characterized by faithful service to her family and to her parish. She loved being surrounded by her family and was proud to be a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthias Parish or the Pius XI High School Edward & Martha Kasprzak Scholarship Fund.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Layton Terrace Spring House and VITAS Hospice for their compassionate and loving care of Martha.

Visitation at the Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, Monday, February 24, 4:00-6:45 PM. Vigil at 7:00 PM. Additional visitation at ST. MATTHIAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 9306 West Beloit Road, Tuesday, February 25, 9:30-10:45 AM. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM. Interment St. Matthias Cemetery.