Story posted Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Take Me Out To The Ball Game!
Gertrude Modjeske, formerly of Mt. Prospect and Prospect Hts., attends a Chicago Cubs game with her family.
By DENISE FLEISCHER Lifestyle Editor
Back in the 1920's, Gertrude Modjeske went to Chicago Cubs games on Wednesdays because on that day, girls could attend for free.
Modjeske grew up in the city, married a Lt. Colonel who served in the Army during World War II, eventually moving to Prospect Hts., Mt. Prospect and Arlington Hts. Modjeske graduated from high school and worked as a checker for AT&T.
Throughout the years, she continued to love the Cubs.
"She used to listen to the Cubs on the radio," said her grandson, Keith Kottke. "They didn't have bleachers when she started going to Wrigley Field."
Modjeske, who is now 98-years-old, loved other sports, as well. She would golf and play tennis with friends and on Wednesdays went to the baseball game.
She still watches Cubs games on TV. When she's not cheering for her favorite team, she's knitting baby caps for newborns at Northwest Community Hospital. She currently resides in Wauconda, but previously lived in Arlington Hts.
Six months ago, Modjeske was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. According to her grandson, she continues to enjoy life day to day and she's talking about making it to 100.
The family was able to receive five tickets from a Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care. That meant she could return to Wrigley Field with her family. Accompanying her was her daughter, Dee, grandson, Keith and her 10-year-old great grandson, Connor.
Though rain was forecasted and the skies confirmed it, Modjeske and her family were led to the field and then the dugout when they arrived at the ballpark.
"For 1-½ hours it was fun looking out at the field and seeing the players," said Kottke. "My grandmother grabbed the hand of Ted Lilly, the pitcher, and told him he was her favorite. She was disappointed that she wasn't able to see Lou Piniella, the manager. We got to watch the game for 4 innings. They played one more inning after we left. It was exciting for her to see the players face-to- face. It was one of her dreams."
After the game, the family enjoyed dinner at a restaurant across the street from Wrigley Field.
She's hoping to see Piniella next time she attends a game.
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