- Date Of Birth: April 23, 1936
- Date Of Death: October 12, 2021
- State: Iowa
Milda Veronica Getspudas, 85, entered into eternal life on October 12, 2021, at her home after spending her final days as she had lived her entire life, surrounded by her loving family. Milda was born on April 23, 1936, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Martin and Veronika Kasparaitis. Milda’s family was active in the community of Lithuanians who had settled in Racine and were members of St. Casimir’s Church. From America, his beloved adopted country, Milda’s father worked to advance the cause of independence for his homeland Lithuania. Milda shared many happy memories of her childhood in Racine, including swimming in Lake Michigan and walking to the movie theater in downtown Racine for Saturday matinees. She had a great love for her older sister Danute.
Milda’s smile, enthusiasm, humor, wisdom, encouragement and compassion will be missed by her daughters Anne Hindt of Ames and Mary Whitman of Des Moines; devoted sons-in-law Noel Hindt and Walter Whitman; beloved grandchildren Veronica (Luke) Monat, Maria (Jonathan) Lo, Frances Hindt, Martin (Tian) Whitman, and Rachel Whitman; and precious great-grandchildren Theodore, Samantha, Nicholas, and Vincent Monat; and Julia Lo.
Milda and Albin enjoyed 51 years of marriage. They shared a faith in God, their Lithuanian heritage, a love of music, abundant hospitality, and devotion to family. They enjoyed cooking together and hosted memorable holiday dinners. Their daughters are grateful to have learned from their parents this simple but richly rewarding formula for how to live – stay connected to family, pray, and work together around the house and in the kitchen. Anne and Mary knew they had Milda’s complete support and that they could trust her to celebrate life’s joys and be steady in difficult times.
Milda and Albin were delighted that both of their daughters chose to attend the University of Iowa and their visits to campus were celebrated. Once Anne and Mary were grown, Albin and Milda started to travel. One of their first trips was to visit Albin’s sister Stephany in Arizona. They traveled on Amtrak in style, wearing matching sweatsuits. Their travels continued for many years and brought them joy and adventure. Milda and Danute traveled to Lithuania together in 1996 and visited the places where their parents were born and raised.
Milda warmly welcomed her sons-in-law Noel and Walt into the family. She appreciated their different talents and personalities and her bond with each was strong. Over the years Milda imparted to Noel and Walt the secret to making the perfect “Kugelis,” the Lithuanian potato dish.
Milda loved the companionship of her grandchildren, was proud of their accomplishments, and offered loving support and wisdom as they grew up and faced life’s challenges. Milda cherished time spent with her family, especially recent visits from her grandchildren and their families. She eagerly awaited the birth of each of her five great-grandchildren and was grateful she had time to get to know these beautiful new people.
Milda was a graduate of St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and worked in a variety of health care settings over many years. She took loving care of her father Martin in her home until his death and later would do the same for Albin.
Preceding Milda in death were her parents; her husband Albin and his brother Paul (Lucy) Getspudas and sister Stephany (Robert) Norton; sister Danute (Wayne) Leonard; nephew Peter Leonard; and cousin Ann (Stanley) Budrys. Surviving family members include nephews John Leonard and Robert (Mary) Norton, niece Paulette (Larry) Salinas, and cousins Algis Kapocius, Vyto Kapocius (Diane), and Ruth (Joe) Mandala.
