Doris Redeker
Age: 73
Location: Olpe
Occupation: Upholsterer and grandchild childcare provider
Names of children: Delores Heins, Gary Redeker, Debbie Cole, Connie Stead, Abner Redeker, Donna Sleezer, and Kevin Redeker.
Number of grandchildren: 19, one deceased
Number of great-grandchildren: Three, soon to be four.
Number of grandchildren-in-laws: Two
Editor’s Note: The following Gazette Mom is Doris Redeker’s complete interview.
The last time my grandchildren made me laugh: I honestly laugh at them — mean with them — every time we are together. I have a group of comedians around me most of the time. But recently, my youngest grandson, Colten, grabbed my hand, led me to the living room, and made me get on the floor to play with him. He was pretty adamant, and it’s funny because I didn’t know if I could get back up!
The hardest thing about being a grandmother: Knowing you are getting old!
The “greatest” thing about being a grandmother: Spending time with all of my grandkids and knowing that eventually they’ll go home.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my grandchildren: Going camping, fishing, pheasant hunting and shooting off fireworks.
Most important life lesson I wanted my children and grandchildren to learn was: How to cook and to manage all types of work, both inside and out, for both the boys and girls.
The invention that made my life easier when I was raising children: a washer and dryer
My favorite book to read to my grandchildren: “The Foot Book” and “There’s a Monster at the End of this Book”
My grandchildren’s toy or game I will never understand: Chess and video games
Three things on my personal “bucket list” are: Go to Alaska, see all of my grandkids married (two down and a lot to go) and ride in a hot air balloon.
Best piece of advice I can give my children who are raising their own kids: “Teach them good work ethics.”
Biggest challenge I’ve faced as a grandparent is: Keeping my son and two oldest grandsons from breaking my yardsticks. Ha! But on the serious side, losing my grandson, Cody, when he was only two, was extremely difficult for me.
My favorite things to do in my spare time: Spend time with family, put puzzles together, play cards, play bingo, read, do sudoku puzzles and take naps.
My favorite kitchen gadget in 2009: My food chopper
My favorite kitchen gadget 50 years ago: Having running hot water!
My proudest moment as a parent: I’ve always been extremely proud of my kids! They all did really well in school, and are great people. I’m extremely proud they have all married really wonderful people, and none have been divorced. In today’s society, that is quite an accomplishment. I’m also proud that they all belong to St. Joseph’s church in Olpe.
One home improvement project that desperately needs to be tackled at my house: I need an extreme home makeover. We need more space for family gatherings and a basement.