Marianne Wildstrom
"The story of the Holocaust should never be forgotten. We must learn to have tolerance of others but must always tell the story of our history."
Name at birth
Marianne Spiegel
Date of birth
04/03/1924
Name of father, occupation
Albert Spiegel,
owned a children's clothing company
Maiden name of mother, occupation
Amelie Rosenfelder,
homemaker
Immediate family (names, birth order)
Parents, Frank, Werner and Marianne
How many in entire extended family?
10
Who survived the Holocaust?
Eight survived, two uncles were killed
My brother Frank came over to the States in 1940, he had a sponsor living in Atlanta. My parents and I came over in 1941. This must have been one of the last ships to leave Germany for America. All of the china, crystal, and silver were brought over with my brother Frank.
When did you come to the United States?
1941
Where did you settle?
Atlanta, GA
How is it that you came to Michigan?
My husband had a job here
Occupation after the war
Worked for Jewish Family Service in Detroit helping Holocaust survivors with their reparation applications.
When and where were you married?
December 2, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia. My husband was also a German Jew who left Germany. He became soldier for the U.S. Army and was stationed in Ft. Benning, Georgia. Jewish families in Atlanta would invite Jewish soldiers home for Shabbat dinners. That’s how I met my future husband. My husband was helpful to the American Army as he was fluent in German.
Spouse
Jack Wildstrom,
department store manager
Children
Susan Goldman, teacher; Stephen Wildstrom, journalist
Grandchildren
Alana Goldman, Jared Goldman, Jonathan Wildstrom, David Wildstrom; Great Grandchldren: Nevin Wildstrom, Truman Wildstrom
What do you think helped you to survive?
My parents and I left Germany for the United States in 1941. The hope of coming to America and being reunited with family.
What message would you like to leave for future generations?
The story of the Holocaust should never be forgotten. We must learn to have tolerance of others but must always tell the story of our history.
Interviewer:
Biography given by Susan Goldman, daughter, June 24, 2013
Survivor's map
