Obituary of Grace Stried

Stried, Grace Victoria 93, a long-time resident of Zion, IL, died peacefully on Saturday, June 1, 2013. Grace was born on the family farm in Union Grove, WI, to Mary (nee Anderson) and Edward Jacobson. She graduated from Union Grove High School in 1938. She was married to Robert Stried in 1945, and they were married for 62 years until his death in 2008. Grace worked as a bookkeeper for a variety of employers, but she especially enjoyed her time at The Zion-Benton News, Whiteman & Fry Lumber Company, and Zion-Benton High School. She was a member of the Zion Fire Belles during the years Bob was a volunteer firefighter. She enjoyed watching her children participate in all their school activities-she and Bob never missed a game or a performance. Her family was the most important thing in her life, and she loved holidays and special occasions when family members gathered together. Grace loved music throughout her life. She sang for religious services with her sisters, Hazel and Joyce, and she played piano and organ for Sunday school and church services at Christ Community Church, where she was a long-time member. Grace enjoyed traveling, especially to see relatives in Colorado, camping and fishing trips to Devil's Lake and Rhinelander, and she enjoyed her 17 winters in Sebastian, Florida, with Bob. She enjoyed bowling, serving as secretary for her league for many years. Grace was a wonderful cook and baker, especially of cookies and candies. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles and quilting. Survivors include her son, Edward (Chris) Stried of Janesville, WI; son, Michael (Roxanne) Stried of Winthrop Harbor, IL; daughter, Connie (William) Belz, of Denver, CO; daughter, Kim (John) Pawzun, of Kenosha, WI; grandchildren, Matt (Chantel) Stried, Kari (Ryan) Masterson, Justin (Heather) Stried, Jessica Snyder, Gary (Mandy) McDowell, Kristi (Dan) Rapin, Alex Pawzun, and Allie Pawzun; 11 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Joyce (Fred) Larson, and Hazel Friesema. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Edward Jacobson; sister, Viola; brothers, Merle and Donald; grandson, Peter Stried; and great-granddaughter, Lilly Anna Stried. Visitation will be Friday, June 7, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, IL, with Rev. John Wiziarde officiating. A luncheon will be served at Christ Community Church following the service. Memorial donations are suggested to Camp Zion, Christ Community Church.