Grandpa Angst, was always a large man in my eyes, maybe because like all children I had to continuously look up at him, but also in the way he carried himself

Grandpa and Grandma Angst
(Memories of Richard M. Balza)

Grandpa Angst, was always a large man in my eyes, maybe because like all children I had to continuously look up at him, but also in the way he carried himself. I remember him as a stocky man, who always smelled of tobacco. I never recall seeing him without a cigar hanging from his lip, and I’m sure it used to drive Grandma crazy. He was the patriarch of the Angst clan, the ruler of his home, and always a person whose word was law – especially to us kids. If grandpa wanted something – by golly he got it. Yet, I never recall him ever taking any of his grandchildren to task, or berating anyone. He always spoke gently, and had a hug for each of us kids.

Grandma Angst, was of course, the best cook there ever was, which I’m sure was why grandpa was as stocky as he was. There were always fresh baked cookies in the jar on the cupboard, and candy could always be found stashed in some drawer. A religious woman, grandma always insisted on proper behavior in church, and regular attendance at Mass. A stalwart member of the altar society, she was always making sashes and cords (crocheted ropes) for the priests. She was a plump woman with a delightful smile, and loved all of her grandchildren like her own. She worked very hard to maintain a home for her and grandpa, and while that wasn’t always easy, I never heard her complain. A giving and caring person, she was outgoing, and understanding – especially when we got into trouble with Mom or Dad for misbehaving.

We were always thrilled to visit Grandpa and Grandma Angst’s, as it was in their house that one could find the latest technological marvel. They purchased the first color television in the family and always had a shiny newer model car, and their attic could keep everyone of use occupied for hours on end.

Grandpa owned and operated "Green Bay Upholstery" which employed much of the immediate family – including my father when he and Mom were first married. We would visit sometimes and I would spend hours watching as my uncles and the other upholsterers would stuff, sew, and tack materials on sofas and fancy high backed chairs. Grandpa would always be there – an unlit cigar clamped between his lips (it was a fire hazard to light it up in the shop). Grandpa must have been a fairly good businessman, as I never heard of him having money trouble, or going without. It was Grandpa who convinced my mother to establish a grocery business just before she and my Dad got married. He was her partner and helped her to get started.

All of our large family gathering centered around Grandpa and Grandma’s house. Sometimes there were so many cousins in the house that you couldn’t find a place to sit – even on the floor.

Christmas was always the best. We would gather about noon on Christmas day from all over Wisconsin. The house was always filled with creaming children, the smell of turkeys roasting. You’d push your way in the door, past assorted aunts, uncles (who were terrible teasers) and finally get to the entry to the dining room were Grandma held court and greeted everyone with a tremendous hug, and just a little snack. You were then told to find Grandpa who was usually ensconced in his favorite chair in the living room debating the Packers Football Team, or politics.

Once past the dining area you had to run the gauntlet of favorite uncles – each with their own version of torture 9 tickling, teasing, or just waiting to nab the unwary niece or nephew), to get your welcome hug from grandpa, a process that sometimes took a good hour or more.

Once the crowd had all arrived, the first thing that came out was the candy box – which Grandpa bought for Grandma every year. A hefty "ten pounder" with every imaginable confection ever made inside. Of course knowing how we children hated candy, the passing around of this huge box was real torture for us – waiting for it to come around the big room. Next the gifts were distributed and opened, starting with the children who got gifts from their godparents.

After everyone had opened the gifts, it was time for Christmas dinner. What a spread – turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, Jell-O salads, and desserts. Oh those desserts – Pumpkin, pecan, apple, and cherry pies, cookies of all sorts (pecan sandies, sugar, gingerbread, etc.) After dinner things usually got pretty mellow – the children drifting off with their cousins to catch up on the latest goings on, and the parents cleaning up and telling of their children’s latest escapades, and accomplishments. Before you knew it – it was time to pack up for home, and give hugs and kisses to grandpa and Grandma.

Our other large yearly gathering was at Thanksgiving. Grandpa would always rent a card club to which he belonged on Bay Beach, called the Pazzazza Club. This was an all day affair, and included both Thanksgiving dinner at noon and supper at about six in the evening (after the annual Thanksgiving Day Packer Game). It was a full day of outside activities – softball played all afternoon rotating the entire family (uncles, aunts, and cousins) through all the positions, tag or keep-away for the smaller kids, and of course hide-and-seek after dark. One of our favorite games was playing in the cattails along the Bay shore. This was akin to war (usually different teams of cousins and many times boys against the girls), our ammunition was ripe cattails – which upon striking an opponent would explode in a shower of seeds and fuzz. When it was too cold to remain outdoors and before and after the football game, there were card games usually "Schosskopf " (sheepshead) for the adults and hearts for the children. Eventually we all had to go home for the night – but, I don’t remember the ride home as we usually fell asleep in the car almost immediately after all day in the cold outdoors and all the activity.