Gerlinde Anna Hruzek

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Gerlinde Anna Hruzek (nee Hauser), the widowed mother of four, died peacefully at the age of 91. Gerlinde was born on August 16, 1933 to Josef and Anna (nee Mysak) Hauser, in Nebotein, Czechoslovakia. Gerlinde was preceded in death by her husband, Rosti F. Hruzek, ex-husband and father of her children, George M. Shannon, her parents, and seven of her eight siblings. She is survived by her sister Krimhilde (Arturo) Sanchez, children Roswitha (Tom Ohlin), Michael (Melissa), Eileen (Gary Kilsdonk), and Patricia (Todd Luebke), grand, great, and great great grandchildren Jessica, Amanda (Jacob), Jacob (Abella), Matthew (Shawna), Mark (Blanca), Brianna, Molly, Sawyer, Derrick, Grayson, Roselynn and Madelyn, nephew, Andy, and other family and friends who enriched and were enriched by her life. Gerlinde grew up in war-torn Europe and endured hardships and horrors no child should experience. Her education was interrupted by the war but while working in the garment industry in post war Germany, she finished her education independently at the large library in Hamburg and attended business school at night. Gerlinde met and married George and the young family of five subsequently sailed to the United States of America aboard the USNS General Simon B. Buckner. Gerlinde's youngest child was born in Illinois. Gerlinde and her family lived in a variety of U.S. locations until George's retirement from the U.S. Army, when they settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Gerlinde drew upon the strength and self-reliance she developed early in life in order to live and raise four children independently whenever George was deployed far from home. Through self-study, Gerlinde quickly mastered speaking, reading and writing the English language and became a naturalized citizen. She worked in a variety of secretarial roles in government and the private sector, as well as contributing greatly as an active volunteer for a variety of organizations. In 1993 Gerlinde was recognized as Most Valuable Volunteer for the Holiday Folk Fair, by Sokol/Sokolice Milwaukee. Gerlinde and Rosti retired in 1997 and moved to Sun City West, Arizona, traveled the world and enjoyed the love of rescued cats. Gerlinde always had a passion for creating beautiful art. She painted, built and restored furniture, was a talented seamstress making beautiful clothes for her kids, and excelled as a gifted quilter, earning many ribbons and awards for her extraordinary work, including Viewer's Choice and First Place ribbons, The Laurene Sinema Founders Award for Exemplary Workmanship and The Arizona Quilters Guild Hall of Fame Award in 2008 for her crazy quilt, "Flora and Fauna", all while teaching others the craft. Gerlinde's quilts live on as testament to her exceptional talent. Gerlinde chose to keep her departure from this life private so there will be no funeral service. Gerlinde's children will travel to Rociada, New Mexico to celebrate her life, with her beloved sister, Hilde, nephew, Andy, and each other. Amid nature's beauty and wonder, family members will have the opportunity to celebrate Gerlinde's release from earthly suffering and acceptance of her heavenly reward, as individual beliefs lead them. Condolences may be directed to daughter, Eileen Kilsdonk, at 15310 W. Black Gold Lane, Sun City West, AZ 85375.