Gert Kouba

Gertrude Kouba, age 92, formerly of Maribel, passed away peacefully at home in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
She was born April 18, 1926, the eldest daughter of the late Richard and Cora (Jaeger) Becker in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The former Miss Gertrude Henrietta Becker and Edward Paul Kouba, formerly of Gibson, were married on October 4, 1952. Edward preceded her in death on July 10, 1990. Gertrude was life-long member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Maribel, her grandfather Karl “Carl” F. W. Becker settled in Maribel in 1854 and was one of the founding members of St. Johns.
In 1929, Gertrude and her parents moved back to Maribel to a farm just north of town and Gertrude attended St. John Evangelical Lutheran School until graduation. Gertrude became a baby sitter to many of the families in and around Maribel. In 1947 Gertrude went to work for Wisconsin Telephone Co. in Green Bay as a switchboard operator and service assistant.
In 1952, after their marriage, Gertrude and Edward moved to Chicago and later settled in Bellwood, IL. where they raised their 5 children. Gertrude was active in the PTA and was an avid bowler, bowling 3 times a week for many years, winning many tournaments and garnering a large collection of trophies.
Upon retirement in 1983, Edward and Gertrude moved back to Maribel. In 1988 Gertrude volunteered for many years at the Maribel Nutrition Site which later became the Maribel Senior Citizens Center.
Gertrude cut down her bowling to 2 times a week and at 68 years old, participated in the 1994 Wisconsin Woman’s Bowling Association Senior’s Tournament.
In 2011 Gertrude moved to Denver Colorado to live with her daughter Katherine and her husband, Dennis Miller.
Gertrude is survived by her children, son Ken Kouba (Amiris) of Chicago, IL, daughter Katherine Miller (Dennis) of Denver CO, son Keith Kouba (Catherine) of Lombard, IL, daughter Kay Ann Wilkinson (Patrick) of Wonder Lake, IL, grandchildren Andrew, Adam and Rachel Kouba, brother-in-law Jerry Kouba of Clover, WI and many nieces and nephews.
Gertrude is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lester and Leroy Becker, sister Alice Hebel (Roy), daughter Karon Kouba and husband Edward Kouba.
Visitation will be held Saturday December 29,2019 at Cotter Funeral Home Denmark Location (536 County R, Denmark) from 9 am-10am. A service will be held at 10 am with Pastor Dan Cole officiating. Burial will be in Fort Howard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorials be made to St John's Lutheran Church and School, Maribel.