Irmtraud Schlager, Trudy to all who knew her, passed from this life into the arms of our Lord God on February 27, 2024 at the age of 95. The past 8 months she was a resident of Mount Vista Home in Wheat Ridge but Trudy lived in her own home in Edgewater for over 60 years.
Trudy was born on November 9, 1928 in Czechoslovakia to Maria and Joseph Ulbrich, the 2nd child of six. When she was 9 or 10 years old, Trudy's father died leaving Maria widowed with 6 young children. The family had 10 hectares of land, almost 25 acres, on which to grow their food, chickens for eggs and meat, and a goat for milk. WWII broke out in Europe about the time Trudy was finishing her 8th grade of school. She was set to go to a teacher's school but plans were disrupted due to the war. Her hopes to become a teacher were never met. Times were very difficult for the family but with hard work they all survived. Trudy was 17 after the war ended and the family was sent to a small farming community in Wiltzhofen, Germany where they helped out on the farm of the family who took them in.
Trudy's future husband managed to find the family there and joined them. Trudy and William (Bill) married and had 3 children. Bill had an uncle who lived in Denver who sponsored the young family to come to Denver. So, the family traveled by train across Europe, by ocean liner to Ellis Island, and finally by train to Denver. Soon they had a home of their own and another son arrived. Now a family of six, Trudy worked hard at raising her rambunctious children and keeping house while Bill worked hard at his job. They joined the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the early 1950's and remained members there for their entire lives. Trudy soon made many good friends. From one of those she learned and loved the art of making ceramic pieces. She made many beautiful items, most of which she gifted to her children as they grew, married and had homes of their own. As grandchildren and then great grandchildren came along Trudy was a dear and loving grand and great grandmother. She enjoyed reading, coloring and playing games with them and catching up on all their various activities. They all loved her and miss her in their lives.
Trudy is survived by her 4 children, Walter, Erika, Richard and Andy, 3 daughters-in-law, Jody, Cindy and Kris, 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Preceding her in death is her husband Bill, sisters Irmgart, Annie, Fini and brother Alois.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Mount Vista for their kindness and care. Many of them became quite close to her. Also, thanks to the good people of Compassus Hospice who cared for her in a tender and loving way during her last months with us. Finally, a thank you to the Pastors and Vicar from Bethlehem Lutheran Church. They made regular visits to her, praying and talking and spending time with her. She looked forward to those visits. They brightened her days.
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