The (Great) Grandmothers--A History Lesson Part I

Today, my children, I would like to discuss my grandmothers, your great-grandmothers. I was blessed to have four grandparents until I was nine and believe they had a great influence on my life.

Grandma Netz: Frances Reiser 1883-1950. Since Carmel and I were the only grandchildren we had their unconditional and undivided love. We spent pretty much time with them, weekends and other times when our parents needed babysitters. When I was about five we moved six blocks from their house and I would walk to their house several times a week. My Dad’s and Uncle Frank’s beds were still in the house and we each had one. I remember the beds had moss mattresses.

I remember her as being very German—she and Grandpa Netz brewed their own beers, Homebrew, made cream cheese and ate limburger cheese. She would dress to the nines to go to church and whenever we were there on a Sunday she would take us with her—the Evangelical Church. She was so happy and proud to introduce us to her friends.

My relationship with Grandma Netz would have been very similar to your relationship with your Granny, so you can appreciate the bond. When I was a sophomore in high school I went over to their house after supper to get something. She had a friend over and when I went in the room she pulled me over to her and sat me on her lap and introduced me to her friend. That night she died in her sleep of a stroke. We got the call early the next morning and from that moment Grandpa Netz was a different person. He went from an outgoing person who would come over and fix anything that needed fixing take us to the levee to collect clover for our Easter baskets to almost a recluse. You had to beg him to come over even for holiday dinners.

Grandma Lozes: Anna Willmes 1870-1956. The relationship with Grandma Lozes was very different. First, there were 17 cousins who shared her affections. Second, she`was very reserved. Third, she had broken a hip before I was born and was always either on crutches or in a wheel chair. My Aunt Alma lived with them and took responsibility for her after Grandpa Lozes died even though she had a significant job with the Port of Embarkation. And into the picture comes Uncle George (remember the dollar bills he gave you when we stopped to see him after community). He also took care of his mother. In those days children took care of their parents.. In those days children took care of their parents. In those days children took care of their parents!!. (something happened to my printer) Anyway, he also worked at the Port and Aunt Alma and George went together for 30 years. Finally, his mother died and they were ready to marry. My parents agreed to take in Grandma Lozes and made an apartment in our basement. . An article appeared in the paper about the couple who worked at the Port and went steady for 30 years. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. After three years Aunt Alma died of cancer.