Gertrude T King
Gertrude T. “Gertie” King, age 88 of Plum City, passed away on May 16, 2014 at the Plum City Care Center in Plum City.
Gertie was born on March 3, 1926 to Edward and Hannah (Vogler) Bauer in the Lima Township, rural Durand. She grew up on the family farm and attended Sacred Heart School. Prior to marriage, Gertie worked at Clara’s Café in Durand. On February 18, 1947, Gertie married Bernom J. King at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lima. Together they farmed in rural Plum City for a number of years, raising a family that numbered eight children. When her husband passed away on December 26, 1968, Gertie and the children continued to run the farm. In 1973 she moved to the Village of Plum City where she worked at the TAD Nursing Home as a CNA (which later became the Plum City Care Center). In later years, Gertie also helped out with the hot lunch program at St. John’s School in Plum City.
Gertie was an extra ordinary cook and baker, she was well known for her chocolate peanut butter balls, date-filled cookies and poppy seed cakes. She was a kind, gentle, very caring and giving person who had deep spirituality and strong faith in God. Her faith, courage, perseverance and great work ethic carried her through many hardships in life, including growing up in the Great Depression, WWII, losing her husband at an early age, and a bout with cancer. To quote one of her favorite sayings; “Life is what you make it, always has been and always will be.” Gertie was a wonderful inspiration and role model for her family and those who knew her. She will be missed immensely.
Gertie is survived by her four daughters: Karen (John) Kothbauer of Arkansaw, Chris (Mike) Quackenbush of Hudson, Julie (Dan) Laabs of Chanhassen, MN, and Amy (Tim) Rundquist of Prescott, three sons; Steve of Plum City, Larry of Strum and Ken (Carlotta) of Eleva, 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, two sisters; Anna Marie Bien and Marge (Roland) Giese, both of Eau Claire and one brother, Edmund J. Bauer of Durand and one brother-in-law; Charles Buchholtz of Washburn, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter; Audrey Olson and a sister; Pauline Buchholtz.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at St. John the Baptist Church in Plum City. Rev. Kevin Louis, STL, will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Monday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.