Mary Gottschalk

GOTTSCHALK Mary Gottschalk, mother and mother-in-law of Columbus residents Mary G. Kidder and C. Robert Kidder, and grandmother of Columbus Dispatch Reporter Kevin Kidder, passed away Monday, March 12, 2007 at Mount Carmel East Hospital. She was 90 years old. Mrs. Kidder is a Board member of the Columbus Museum of Art and her husband is Chairman and CEO of 3 Stone Advisors, LLC. Mrs. Gottschalk, a former elementary school teacher, taught third and fourth grades in Saginaw, MI for 20 years. In Mid-life, she returned to school and received Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Central Michigan University. Asked by family members why she became a teacher, she once replied: "A teacher has a chance to help mold a life. A teacher often can't make history, but she can influence the generation that does make history." Mrs. Gottschalk lived in Saginaw most of her life until she moved to Columbus in 2001 to be near her daughter, Mary and family. Her husband Earl died in 1996. In Columbus, her favorite activities were sitting in the patio garden and listening to birds, driving out to farm markets in the countryside near New Albany, viewing art exhibits at the Columbus Museum of Art and taking trips to the Franklin Park Conservatory to watch the emerging butterflies. Mrs. Gottschalk always tried to be polite and friendly. Aides and nurses at Friendship Village in Westerville and at Wesley Ridge in Reynoldsburg always gave her a big smile and called her "Miss Mary." She leaves behind her son, Earl Gottschalk, Jr. and his wife Shirley of La Canada, CA; granddaughter, Karin Kidder and husband Marco Manuello of London, England; grandsons and their wives, Richard Gottschalk and Ramona Rebeck and great grandson Ian of Pasadena, CA, and Stephen and Karen Gottschalk and great grandchildren Greyson, Ryan and Alexis of Pleasant Hill, CA. Mrs. Gottschalk was one of 10 children and she leaves behind sisters, Mrs. Agnes Swinton of Saginaw, MI, Mrs. Helen Kleismit of Eastpointe, MI, Mrs. Ann Serbus of New Lothrop, MI, Mrs. Emily Prchlik and husband Edward of Swartz Creek, MI; and many nieces and cousins. The funeral will take place in Saginaw, MI. Those who wish to honor her memory may make a contribution to The Columbus Museum of Art or the charity of your choice. www.casefuneralhome.com