[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        100TH BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR ANNA CHARLOTTE JILG KOSLOWSKE

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                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2003

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Anna Charlotte Jilg 
Koslowske who will turn 100 years old on September 29. She was born 
near Florissant, MS, to the family of Adolf and Caroline Jilg. Her 
father had immigrated as a child to America from Austria in 1859. The 
family had a vegetable farm outside of St. Louis, and the eleven 
children all learned the meaning of hard work and its rewards. They 
were all expected to help in the fields and in preparing the produce 
for market. Anna's father would drive the mule-drawn wagon into St. 
Louis to deliver the fresh produce. This way of life supported the 
family for many years.
  Like many people from those days, Anna is pretty much self-taught, as 
children were needed to help at home or find work at an early age. Her 
teacher arranged for Anna to complete grades seven and eight in 1 year 
so the teacher could claim an eighth-grade graduate. After her 
graduation, Anna was hired by a family in St. Louis to care for the 
gentleman's terminally ill wife. Her compassionate and caring nature, 
in addition to her experience of living and working within a large 
family, made her an excellent candidate.
  As a young woman Anna journeyed to Zap, ND, to visit her sister and 
while there, met the Rev. George Koslowske, a pastor in the Lutheran 
Church Missouri Synod. They were married on May 17, 1925, and to this 
union came seven children, all of whom are still living.
  Anna moved with her husband from North Dakota to Waco, NE, where they 
served a rural parish, St. Johns, for 20 years. In 1950 they moved 
their family to Big Springs, NE, answering God's call to Zion Lutheran 
Church. During his ministry there, George was called home by the Lord 
in 1958, leaving Anna to provide for the two youngest children, ages 13 
and 15. Anna worked then as a cook in the local Dairy King. Once the 
children were on their own, she served as a nanny for several families 
until 1974, when she moved to Holyoke, CO where she still resides.
  Anna has been blessed with 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 
and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She also has one living sister, 
Lillian Dueker, who recently celebrated her 102nd birthday.
  Anna and her children are grateful for the Lord's blessings during 
her 100 years. She has led a quiet, prayerful life. She was an 
excellent mother and mentor to her children, always stressing a 
Christian attitude. Her favorite reprimand was ``If you can't say 
anything nice, don't say anything at all.'' She continues to be an 
example and joy to those around her.
  I am proud to honor Anna on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Anna 
is a self taught, hard working compassionate Christian mother and 
grandmother who is the embodiment of all the values that have molded 
America into the great nation it is today.

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