Gertrude E Bruender

Gertrude Elaine Bruender, age 95, of Mankato, died Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at Laurel's Edge, Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 27, 2009 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, with Rev. Ted Hottinger, officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m., Sunday at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before service at church on Monday. Memorials may be given to the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Gertrude was born June 14, 1914 to George and Orlie L. (Hayes) Knapp in Mankato. She graduated from Mankato High School in 1932 and Mankato State Teachers College in 1936. She was united in marriage to Martin Robert Bruender on May 28, 1938 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Mankato. Gertrude taught school at Bingham Lake, St. Joseph the Worker, SS. Peter and Paul Grade School, and retired from St. Clair Public Schools in 1978. She was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, MEA (Minnesota Education Association), Sunshine Club, Summit Center, and was a past 4-H Leader. She enjoyed painting, crocheting, playing cards, and enjoying her Friday night cheese and crackers.

Gertrude is survived by her four sons, George (Bev) Bruender of Portland, OR, Larry (Margie) Bruender of LeSueur, Douglas (Audrey) Bruender of Waldorf, Dwayne (Betty) Bruender of Coral Springs, FL; her two daughters, Vicky (Bob) Kimpton of New Prague and Mary (Paul) Willaert of Mankato; twenty one grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Thora Bruender, Sylvia Bruender, and Mary H. Rausch all of Mankato.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Martin in 1993; son, Darold Bruender in 1964.