Gertrude Ann Miholic

The passing of our mother, Gertrude Ann (Repp) Miholic, signals the end of a small piece of Waukegan history. Mom was a 1st generation American whose parents, born in Yugoslavia, now Slovenia, were part of the "Great European Migration." They settled on the south side of Waukegan where ethnic enclaves were created by immigrants from the Baltics and eastern Europe. They toiled, lived and died in a unique, now long gone, cultural experience. Mom was a part of what makes America thrive-country, hard work, family, faith and sacrifice. We, her children, are honored to memorialize our mother, Gertrude Miholic.

Mom passed away on 11/25/23 after bravely coping for 2 years with failing health. "Gert" was born on 10/13/25 in North Chicago, IL to Ignatz and Gertrude Repp. She resided on the south side of Waukegan for 53 years and attended Mother of God Church and School as well as Holy Child High School where she was fondly known as "Koko." Over the years, she was employed at U.S. Steel, St. Therese Hospital, and Abbott Labs (14 years/retired 1978).

Gertrude/Mom was married to Joseph Miholic in 1947 at Mother of God Church. Joe "Cozy" Miholic preceded her in death in 1974. Her parents and brother, Ignatius, also preceded her in death.

Gertrude is survived by her children, Joseph of Carlisle, PA, Denice (CR) Williams of Waukegan, IL, Mary Beth (Michael) Marro of Lake Villa, IL, Vincent (Michelle) Miholic of New Iberia, LA, and Philip Miholic of Waukegan, IL. She also leaves behind her pride and joy, her grandchildren, Felicita, Joseph (Jinghuei), Eric (Janille), Jessica (Ronny), Lukav, Lynnea, and Grace as well as great grandchildren, Caleb, David, Colton, Matthew, Anthony, Owen and Declan. Additionally, she leaves behind her cousins in Ljubljana, Slovenia and scores of in-laws, nieces & nephews along with cousins here in the states.

In 1980, after her husband's death, Mom moved to Mesa, AZ. There, she attended The Church of the Resurrection and was blessed to be part of their mission trip to Tonga. She volunteered for 20+ years for St. Vincent de Paul Society where she received the "Lifetime Achievement" award for outstanding work and dedication. She returned to Waukegan in 2013 due to health concerns. Mom's servant heart led her to volunteer at Midwest Veteran's Closet, North Chicago, IL, from the age of 96-98! She was a member of St. Anastasia Church.

Our Mom was athletic (high school basketball player, league bowler, avid golfer with a handicap of 16, and Foss Park golf champion), creative crafter, and a phenomenal cook/baker, seamstress, and epic party/event planner.

She was a proud member of St. Joseph KSKJ Lodge for whom she organized a children's bowling league, regional picnics (AZ & IL), and was a "What's Going On" columnist for the KSKJ Voice.

We all want to express our thanks to a Mom who was tough, caring, and unwavering in her tireless dedication to her family, church and community. We have been so inspired and grateful that Mom had such a full life. Rest in Peace, Mom. Now you can polka with the angels.

There will be a Memorial held for Mom on Monday, June 17, 2024 with a 10:00 Mass at St. Dismas Church in Waukegan followed by interment at Ascension Cemetery.