Laura Wiatr Obituary

I cannot think of Aunt Laura without Uncle Stan. They were always together. For example, she used to watch him play baseball, or they'd went to watch the Chicago White Sox or the Chicago Bears, or go bowling together. They consistently visited my parents' house, at birthday parties, weddings--and oh, how they could dance together at weddings! There were not many people who had the endurance to polka all night the way they did, or had the ability to dance to a Stauss waltz the way they could. On Christmas Day we could always count on them to visit in the afternoon and share their stories about the "old days." My children got a big kick out of them as well. (Kelli, CJ, and Kaycee Lynn knew them both, but Kirby Ann and Nick knew only Aunt Laura.) Jeanne and I reminisced about them last night. We thought that Aunt Laura is now joining her Stanley in the next stage.

Yes, I was a bit jealous of my sister, Nancy, finding a new coat and going out to lunch. But those feelings are so temporary and don't mean a thing. What I remember the most were the great parties we had with the Wiatr cousins when we were young. Those were great times filled with many good memories! I loved all my Dad's brothers and their wives. Aunt Laura, you can now, finally, join Stanley in Heaven and be reunited in happiness and love! (And please say hello to everyone and tell my Dad we miss him!)

Being my godparents, Aunt Laura and Uncle Stan would take me out shopping for my birthday every March for many years. They would usually pick out a "sensible" new winter coat and then let me pick something frivolous. They were very practical and frugal people and tried to teach me to be fiscally responsible. Then we would always end the trip with a hot chocolate and a hamburger. These childhood traditions and rituals are usually not appreciated until we are much older. Aunt Laura & Uncle Stan: you are loved and missed!

Your niece and godchild,

Nancy (Wiatr) Cantwell