Gertrude Schultz

Gertrude Schultz of Upsala went home to be with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ on Wednesay the 7th of September, 2011. She was known to many as Gertrude, Gertie, Shorty, Mother or Gramma. She was born Gertrude Ellie Freda Blank on October 3, 1916 to her father Alfred Friedrich Wilhelm Blank and mother Elfriede Martha Bianka (Koffke) Blank in Kreis Belgard of the Pomeranian Region of Germany. At the early age of 16 she left home and worked as a dishwasher and seamstress in Berlin, Germany. While working at the US Military PX in Berlin, she meet her husband Kenneth They were wed on July 11, 1947. She and her husband settled in the Upsala area and farmed up until her late husband’s death in 1991. Gertrude was an accomplished seamstress, making everything from babtismal gowns to bridal gowns and bridesmaid’s dresses. For many years she worked at Munsingwear in Little Falls. She was an active member of the Upsala American Legion Post 350 Auxiliary and marched in the Upsala Memorial Day Parade up until she was 92 year old. Gertrude lived a Christ filed life as a member of the Community Church and Covenant Women. She was a long time member and served as President of the Upsala PTA. Gertrude managed the mailing department for Schultz Auctioneers for many years..Later in life Gertrude volunteered at the Upsala School as both a reader and listener to the 1st grade students and received the volunteer of the year award in 2000. Of all her accomplishments she loved being Grandma the most, which gave her a chance to spoil, love and pass on traditions from her childhood. Gertrude’s grandchildren were always her greatest pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her parents: Alfred and Elfriede Blank, brother Ewald Blank and husband Kenneth. She is survived by sons John (Maureen) of Stillwater MN and Mike (Jan) of Upsala MN; grandchildren John of Albany MN, Matthew of Princeton MN, Catherine Amey (Bob and daughter Rachel) of Burnsville MN, Isaac and Ethan of Upsala MN; in-laws Allan and Donna Schultz of Washington and Ione Swenson of Arizona; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

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Gertrude Schultz

October 3, 1916 - September 7, 2011