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Maria Gerstl Obituary
Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Maria and Josef Fojtu; as well as her brothers Josef, Hans and Rudi Fojtu.
Maria touched the lives of everyone she met through her kind disposition and charming sense of humor.
Born in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia in 1930, Maria immigrated to Austria during World War II and later moved to Germany where she met her husband of 52 years.
Coming to this country with just a few dollars to their names and no knowledge of the English language, Hans and Maria made their way to Charlottesville in 1958 after initially spending some time in Canada and Detroit, Michigan.
Together they built and operated the Schnitzelhouse Restaurant in Charlottesville. Maria was the chef for 10 years until they sold the business in 1980.
In 2003, when her son bought back the business, now named Ludwigs Restaurant and Lounge, Maria came out of "retirement" to share her family recipes with Hans Jr. and worked with him almost daily in the kitchen. The tortes she made for the restaurant will be sorely missed.
In addition to her children, Maria is survived by her granddaughters, Kelly and Lauren Becker of Hunt Valley, Maryland; a brother, Julius Fojtu of Zell, Germany; and a number of nieces and nephews throughout Europe and the United States.
A graveside service will be held for family and friends 2 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2008, at Monticello Memory Gardens in Charlottesville.
Maria loved flowers of all nature and kind and those desiring to send floral arrangements will be more than welcome.
Following the service, the family will receive friends at Ludwigs Restaurant and Lounge.
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel of Lovingston, VA 22949.
Memories and Condolences
for Maria Gerstl
Apple Plotnick
January 23, 2008
Hi Hans,
I'm sorry I was out of town in Florida, or I would have been at the service. If you ever need any help or support, you know me and my parents are there for you. Just give us a call.
Love always,
~Apple
Chris Howard
January 22, 2008
Dear Brenda,
Our thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time. Please let us know if there's anything we could do to honor the memory of your mother.
Rob Davis
January 22, 2008
Hans & Brenda;
My prayers go out to you and your family. Your Mother and Father were such special people who brought so much to our community.
Bayne Sandridge
January 18, 2008
Dear Brenda,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
How you can show support
Hilda Litchfield
January 18, 2008
Brenda and Hans,
Our deepest regrets on Maria's passing. It is our loss as well... although we saw her infrequently, we knew she was there looking out for us, as we did her. We will miss her... condolences to you both and your family; know that your mom was truly a great lady. Please let us know if there is anything we can do,
Hilda and Scott
Jeanne and Phil Chase
January 18, 2008
To Hans, Family, and Extended Family,
We extend our sincerest condolences to all of you at this sad time. While working thru this period of sadness and loss it is a time of joy to remember all that your Mother and Friend instilled in you during her lifetime. She shared with many folks and first and foremost she shared with her family. Your tribute to this wonderful lady will be to continue on the paths that you shared.
DONNA CABELL
January 17, 2008
Brenda & Hans,
I send my condolences on the passing of your mom. I remember both of your parents working hard to make the best German food that I'd ever eaten. Those were the days when we were children. I especially remember the birthday parties in the restaurant and getting to eat the special German cakes. I often tell friends from Germany that I had a German friend growing up. It has been my honor to know you and your parents. Best wishes in the future and keep in touch.
Love,
Barbara Smith
January 17, 2008
Dear Brenda,
Your mother, Maria Gersti, sounds like she was like a wonderful woman, wife, and mother, and lived her life well. Wishing you some solace in this difficult time. Please extend our sympathies also to your brother Hans, and to Dave and the girls. Hope to see you soon,
Love,
Barbara and Chris
Rey and Gimmer Barry
January 17, 2008
We will never forget this loyal friend and amazing hostess. Deepest condolences to Brenda, Ludwig, Kelly, Lauren, and the rest of the family.
Betsy Nardi
January 17, 2008
Dear Brenda & Hansi,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have such fond memories of your parents. Hugs, Betsy Nardi
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