Millie's Story

Marcia Kritzler-Egeland shares the story of her mother, Millie Kritzler, who survived the Holocaust. Marica’s mother came to the United States in 1941, as a 12-year old, knowing only the other refugee children who were her companions on the Serpa Pinto. With the help of the American Friends Service Committee (Quakers) and several other organizations, she built a new life in Kansas City. Her story, however, starts long before that. In 1939 her parents, Hildegunde and Simon Straahs, made the difficult decision to send her into the arms of strangers so that she would have the possibility of surviving the horror that Hitler brought to Europe. Because of their foresight and courage, she survived. Maria writes, “My grandparents, saved their daughter from certain death by selflessly sending her into the arms of strangers. At the age of nine and a half, Mom boarded a train for France. That was the beginning of a journey to a new life. At the age of nine and a half, Mom began to realize the difference that one person can make – that one decision can make. Mom always felt that she had a guardian angel who protected her and brought not one but many individuals whose actions helped to make that difference.”
Marcia Kritzler-Egeland is committed to educating, empowering, and connecting people in her community. After retiring from teaching, she began working as a women’s health educator and advocate, focusing on heart health. Marcia is a 2016 graduate of the Science & Leadership Symposium at the Mayo Clinic and holds a BA from American University and a Master of Education degree from Lesley University. She volunteers for the YMCA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program. Marcia lives in Sturgeon Bay with her husband.
Marcia will share her mother’s story at a free presentation, Wednesday, June 17 at 7 PM. The presentation will be held at the DC Arts Center on the Rogue Theater stage, which is currently performing “The Diary of Anne Frank”. Anne and Millie were the same age, but their life followed two very different paths.