Gloria Milbrath

Gloria Ruth (Hoffmann) Milbrath was born August 1, 1935, in Faribault, MN, to Erwin and Martha Hoffmann. She graduated in 1953 from Rock Island Senior High School, Rock Island, IL, and attended Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN. She taught at the Winnebago Lutheran Academy, Fond du Lac, WI, before marrying Rev. Gerald L. Milbrath on August 1, 1959, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Island, IL. She loved to sing at home and at church, a cherished memory of her five children, which likely influenced their own joy and participation in many music organizations and church choirs to this day. She always encouraged her children to pursue and develop their talents and interests, even as adults. Her own interests included photography and writing poems, many of which were published. She had a sweet and gentle spirit and served Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the community in whatever ways that she could, although she preferred to volunteer behind the scenes and unnoticed. She seldom complained and showed her strongest faith and positivity during her many years of chemotherapy treatments after being diagnosed with cancer. After battling the illness for 15 years, she can now truly be content at Jesus' side. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gerald Milbrath, Fort Dodge; daughters Rhoda (Tim) Castiglia, Kentwood, MI, Lynda (Rick) Christian, Hazelwood, MO, and Rochelle Milbrath, St. Paul, MN; sons Randall (Lisa), Council Bluffs, IA, and Lindsey (Mary), Freeville, NY; brother Rev. Richard Hoffmann, Fenton, MO; sister Carol (Bill) Kellenberger, St. Peters, MO; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held Monday, July 23, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1023 South 27th Street, Fort Dodge. A visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Monday until the time of the service at the church. Laufersweiler-Sievers is serving the family. Memorial may be left to the discretion of the family.