1918
Gertrude
2006
Gertrude Steffen
January 17, 1918 — March 23, 2006
Gertrude Emma Helena (May) Steffen was born on January 17, 1918, on the family farm north of Odessa, to parents, Paul Otto Bernard and Mathilda Anna Emilie (Buss) May. Gertrude was baptized into the Lutheran Faith on February 17, 1918, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa and was later confirmed on March 20, 1932, also at the Trinity Lutheran Church.
As a young girl, Gertrude attended school in Odessa, MN. Following school, Gertrude married Howard Richard Wilhelm Steffen on June 6, 1943, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa, MN. Together the couple made their home in Big Stone County where they farmed and raised their three children. Gertrude enjoyed life on the farm, working as a homemaker and also along side Howard.
In 1970, Gertrude and Howard retired and moved to Ortonville, MN. In her spare time, she enjoyed baking and cooking as well as playing cards and Chinese checkers. Gertrude spent quiet time crocheting afghans, and cheering on her Minnesota Twins. Gertrude treasured her family and cherished the memories made during visits and serving lunches. Gertrude was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church serving in the Ladies Aid and also as a Sunday School Teacher.
Gertrude passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2006, at the Milbank Area Hospital in Milbank, SD. She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mathilda (Buss) May; husband, Howard R.W. Steffen; and two sisters, Mary May, and Edna (May) Wellnitz Carpenter.
Gertrude is survived by her son, Norward (Stella) Steffen; two daughters, Janice (Truman) Tilleraas; and Jane (David) Bye; five grandchildren, Derek Steffen, Darcy Steffen, Danielle Steffen, Ryan Tilleraas and Chad Tilleraas; two great-grandchildren, Ariel and Ethan Johnson; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
As a young girl, Gertrude attended school in Odessa, MN. Following school, Gertrude married Howard Richard Wilhelm Steffen on June 6, 1943, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa, MN. Together the couple made their home in Big Stone County where they farmed and raised their three children. Gertrude enjoyed life on the farm, working as a homemaker and also along side Howard.
In 1970, Gertrude and Howard retired and moved to Ortonville, MN. In her spare time, she enjoyed baking and cooking as well as playing cards and Chinese checkers. Gertrude spent quiet time crocheting afghans, and cheering on her Minnesota Twins. Gertrude treasured her family and cherished the memories made during visits and serving lunches. Gertrude was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church serving in the Ladies Aid and also as a Sunday School Teacher.
Gertrude passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2006, at the Milbank Area Hospital in Milbank, SD. She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mathilda (Buss) May; husband, Howard R.W. Steffen; and two sisters, Mary May, and Edna (May) Wellnitz Carpenter.
Gertrude is survived by her son, Norward (Stella) Steffen; two daughters, Janice (Truman) Tilleraas; and Jane (David) Bye; five grandchildren, Derek Steffen, Darcy Steffen, Danielle Steffen, Ryan Tilleraas and Chad Tilleraas; two great-grandchildren, Ariel and Ethan Johnson; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.