8
trees
planted in memory of Theresa Ann Holdcraft
Obituary for Theresa Ann Holdcraft
• Theresa Ann Skowera Holdcraft, 87, of Utica, passed peacefully as Jesus received
her with open arms on March 30, 2023 at St. Anthony Hospital, Rockford, IL.
She was reunited with Marvin, her one and only true love of 71 years. They
were apart on earth for seven years but their hearts remained entangled.
A funeral mass will be Wednesday April 5, at 11 at St. Mary’s Church in Utica. Fr. Michael Driscoll, Pastor of St. Mary’s will officiate. She will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in LaSalle along side her husband Marvin. Visitation will be in the church on Wednesday from 10 until the time of mass. The Burgess Funeral Home in LaSalle is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers a plant would allow us to enjoy your special gift to our mother for a longer period of time. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Theresa’s love story began on February 15, 1952 when she married this
handsome man smitten in love with her. Soon after they married, Marvin
left for the war unaware he would become a father while fighting from a
foxhole deep in the heart of Korea. Theresa was left alone with a new baby.
Six months later, he met his first born daughter, Linda Kay. Soon they were
blessed with a son, Ronald Dean and a few years later a daughter, Donna
Marie, who became her dedicated care taker,
They built their one and only home “On the Hill” North Utica, Illinois,
Theresa seriously engaged in being the best homemaker possible, she made
every delicious meal from scratch. She made that house a home and cared
compassionately for her mother. They raised those three children to
become responsible loving, caring hardworking adults. They were blessed
with 10 perfect grandchildren who she was so proud of every aspect of their
lives. She had a special bond and deeply loved her god child, Deanna.
As time passed, they were blessed more. She became “GeeGee” to 24 wonderful great
grandchildren. It was Important to her they were baptized and loved the
Lord.
Theresa loved traditions and she had plenty. She was an amazing Floral
designer and used her talents to own and operate Holdcraft Gifts in Utica.
Marvin was kept busy making endless projects for Theresa to decorate.
Her home was always beautifully decorated with every season. She was a master
at making her home a magical place with so much detail in every space and
you would never leave hungry.
Theresa was a natural leader and contributed to community events and
treasured her lady friendships. She was an active member of St Mary’s
Church, in Utica, IL and many other clubs and organizations.
She was never afraid to “tell it like it is.” She was usually spot on. She was a
fighter and her will to live was relentless. She wanted to be a part of
everyone and, indeed, she accomplished that by leaving a legacy of
inspiration and tough love.
We rest assured she is pain free and watching over us making sure we stay
on track. Because two people made a lifelong commitment to stick through
good and bad we have an incredible family unit modeled by a true love
story.
The incredible imprint Theresa has left on our hearts and lives will last
forever. Rest in peace dear servant. Your long journey has been well done.
Surviving are: daughter, Linda (Tim) Freudenthal of Wautoma, WI, son,
Ronald (Penny) Holdcraft of Utica, daughter, Donna (Lyle) Piecha of LaSalle,
and grandchildren: Sonny (Jill) Holdcraft of Seatonville, Shelley (Ed) Thomsen
of Blaine, MN, Nicholas (Booska) Holdcraft of Poland, Amber (Shawn) of Los
Angeles, CA, Jaeger Freudenthal of Bokeelia, FL, Ryan Holdcraft of Utica,
Maxwell Freudenthal of Mpls, MN, Chad (Lyndsey) Piecha of Peru, Derek
(Bria) Piecha of LaSalle, Breanna (Mike) Bergagna of Oglesby, IL.
Great grandchildren: Kaylyn, Korrin, Hunter, Payton, Ava, Myles, Jackson, Sawyer, Kelty, Addison, Kaden, Shea, Aprillia, Rivers, Kree, Lizbon, Iain, Kailub, Mia, Max, Knox, Dax ,Ky and ,Hux.
She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Sophie Skowera and
one brother, Edward (Mildred) Skowera.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.burgessfh.com
To plant a tree in memory of Theresa Ann Holdcraft, visit the Tribute Store.
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