Velma was born on Sept. 14, 1910, in Jackson Township, Ind. She was the daughter of John and Emma (Graf) Springer. By the age of 12, both of her parents had died and she and her sister, Lola, were raised by an aunt. Velma had aspired to be a Latin teacher, which through her indomitable will and hard work, she accomplished in 1932 graduating from Ball State University with a degree in Home Economics and Latin. At her death, she was the University's oldest alumnus. She continued receiving Christmas cards from former students as recently as last year.
In 1939, she married the love of her life, Rupert Edward Grischke. They built a home in Wisconsin Rapids and had a much-loved cottage on Fence Lake in Lac du Flambeau. They adopted a son, Alan, their only child. Alan is a trial lawyer in Wausau.
Velma was at various times active in the Methodist Church of Wisconsin Rapids, Eastern Star, AAUW and was proud to be a part of Chapter 0 of the Wisconsin Rapids PEO Sisterhood. She had a passion for bridge and was still high in the Bull's Eye Country Club rankings at the age of 98. After the death of her beloved husband, she traveled extensively. She especially enjoyed travel with her son and two granddaughters, Hannah and Rachel. She was voracious reader, going through three books in a week. She also kept her mind active doing daily crossword puzzles.
She had a great zest for life and passion for helping people. She made wondrous desserts and her recipes have been passed to countless admirers.
Velma is survived by her son...
--excerpt from Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune; December 4, 2011
Marriage: 1939 Carthage, Indiana
Father: John Henry Springer
Mother: Emma Jane Graf
(Amboy is north of Indianapolis.)
Velma was born on Sept. 14, 1910, in Jackson Township, Ind. She was the daughter of John and Emma (Graf) Springer. By the age of 12, both of her parents had died and she and her sister, Lola, were raised by an aunt. Velma had aspired to be a Latin teacher, which through her indomitable will and hard work, she accomplished in 1932 graduating from Ball State University with a degree in Home Economics and Latin. At her death, she was the University's oldest alumnus. She continued receiving Christmas cards from former students as recently as last year.
In 1939, she married the love of her life, Rupert Edward Grischke. They built a home in Wisconsin Rapids and had a much-loved cottage on Fence Lake in Lac du Flambeau. They adopted a son, Alan, their only child. Alan is a trial lawyer in Wausau.
Velma was at various times active in the Methodist Church of Wisconsin Rapids, Eastern Star, AAUW and was proud to be a part of Chapter 0 of the Wisconsin Rapids PEO Sisterhood. She had a passion for bridge and was still high in the Bull's Eye Country Club rankings at the age of 98. After the death of her beloved husband, she traveled extensively. She especially enjoyed travel with her son and two granddaughters, Hannah and Rachel. She was voracious reader, going through three books in a week. She also kept her mind active doing daily crossword puzzles.
She had a great zest for life and passion for helping people. She made wondrous desserts and her recipes have been passed to countless admirers.
Velma is survived by her son...
--excerpt from Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune; December 4, 2011
Marriage: 1939 Carthage, Indiana
Father: John Henry Springer
Mother: Emma Jane Graf
(Amboy is north of Indianapolis.)
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