Erna Ann Chrostowski

Erna Chrostowski, age 88 of Hollandale died on Tuesday, December 19th at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison surrounded by her family, whom she reminded over and over how much she loved them.  She was born June 28, 1935, in Cheektowaga, New York to Frederick and Elsie (Horst) Graap.  Erna married Stanley Chrostowski on April 26, 1954, in New York. Together they had 10 children and worked hard to raise them and give them everything a child needed. There was love, discipline, a sense of accountability and responsibility. But most of all there was love and a sense of humor. Mom was home with us and often provided day care and support for other children as well. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. Grammy gave them love, guidance but most of all she gave them encouragement and never held back from telling them she loved them and how proud she was of them.

Erna was known for her excellent cooking and baking skills. Mom provided our family with a true appreciation for food. With our large family things were pretty tight but every meal was enough because she made it with caring hands and love. She shared her love for cooking and nurturing as a cook at the Pecatonica Area school district, where she served many meals (and occasional hugs) to students and staff for 28 years. She was always willing and looked forward to assisting with cooking projects and special events. She never turned down any requests for her famous Peanut Butter Bars that were loved by all. She also loved making Fruitcakes. 

Mom was a worker! She worked at Westing House and Walworth in Buffalo, NY and GE in Danville, Il.  After cooking for the school during the week she worked the weekends in Hollandale at Pete’s, Brad’s Place and then again for Pete. She loved seeing and meeting people and put her heart in every meal she served. 

Mom had a creative flair, she loved to knit, crochet, and quilt. Her more recent hobby was working through word search books. It kept her mind busy and sharp. She always kept one close by and shared them with others. 

She was a big supporter in all community fundraisers and events. She was a member of New Hope Lutheran Church, Hollandale, WI. She was also a Sunday school teacher. She was a member of the Hollandale American Legion Auxiliary 510.

Erna is survived by Patricia (Robert) Benson, Barbara (Les) Morgan, Sharon (Jeff) Lewis, Walt (Karin) Chrostowski, Robin (Stan) Peterson, Dave (Meta) Chrostowski, Karen (Leroy) Anderson, Mark (Vicki) Chrostowski, Bob (Joree) Chrostowski. Brother-in-law Gerald (Barb) Chrostowski of Newburgh, IN, 24 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild.  She is preceded in death by her parents Frederick and Elsie, brothers Fred and Tom Graap, husband Stanley Chrostowski, son Stanley Jr., nephew Billy Chrostowski, niece Dana Graap, and grandson Sam Benson.  

A visitation for Erna will be held on Saturday, December 23rd from 10:00 am until 12:30pm at New Hope Lutheran in Hollandale.  A funeral service will follow at 12:30 PM at the church.  The service will be live cast for the public on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page.  Rev. Chris Strohm of New Hope Lutheran will officiate.  Burial will be in the Long Valley Cemetery in rural Hollandale.  A funeral lunch will follow at the Hollandale American Legion/Community building.  Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralservice.com

Please click the following link to watch the memorial photo video:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/NFBGZXSKW3G9MRR3

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