Eva Mae Potratz, 92, of Sterling, IL, passed on peacefully on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, under the attentive and compassionate care of Resthave Care & Rehabilitation, in Morrison, IL.
Eva was born at home on December 11, 1928, in Froelich, IA, the daughter of Walter and Edna (Henkes) Miller. She grew up in the McGregor, IA, area, where she met John A. Potratz in 1946 at a roller rink! They married October 25, 1947. They had their firstborn son in 1948, then a daughter in 1949, and another daughter in 1950: three children in diapers all at once as a young mother!
Eva worked as a part-time waitress in McGregor and then again in Savanna, IL, where the family settled down with John’s job at the Savanna Army Depot. Eva enjoyed little jobs outside her home: Clerk at the A&P store downtown and even selling encyclopedias. Eva was also active in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Savanna. In 1996, Eva and John had the opportunity to move the family to Germany through John’s job, and together they enjoyed eight years of traveling throughout Europe, often hosting relatives and friends from back home. Eva continued doing volunteer work at their various locations in Germany.
Upon John’s retirement, they built a home at Lake Carroll, and eventually settled in Sterling where their two daughters, son-in-law, and two grandsons lived. Eva and John also enjoyed wintering near Ft. Meyers, FL, for several years, and going with Eva’s family to a fishing cabin in Wisconsin twice a year. They John worked together at the F.I.S.H. food pantry in Sterling, were active members of Messiah Lutheran Church, and helped in the founding of Christ Lutheran School and Thrift Shop. She and John were blessed with 63 years of marriage. They were truly “joined at the hip”
We remember Eva’s love of cooking, which was an extension of love to her family, especially her butterscotch pudding, which her grandsons loved. Christmas meant dozens and dozens of her hand-dipped chocolates, and Thanksgiving wasn’t complete without her traditional dressing. Every holiday meant special food and special decorations. Her Christmas tree was full of European ornaments from all their travels, and her Easter tree was equally decorated.
Eva was known by many as a “sweet and gracious” lady. She was a very devoted wife to John, devoted mother to her three children, and loving “Oma” to her grandsons and great-grandson.
Survivors include her daughters, Peg (Mike) Albert and Marsha Potratz, all of Sterling; grandsons, Dan Albert and Matt Albert; great grandson, Sam Albert, all of Chicago. Eva is also survived by her special friend and cousin, Imogene Bentien of Monona, IA.
Eva was preceded in death by her parents; husband John in 2011; son, John Gregory Potratz in 2020.
Cremation Rites will be accorded.
The family is observing a private Interment ceremony at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling, IL, with Reverend Chad Bolosan officiating.
Memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, 1601 Avenue F, Sterling, IL 61081.