Gertrude E. Mayer, nee Hanst, 87, of West Bend, passed away Friday, November 14, 2008 at St. Joseph's Hospital, West Bend.
She was born on August 9, 1921 in Milwaukee, the beloved daughter of Louis and Hannah (nee Dieringer) Hanst. She graduated from North Division High School with honors in January 1939 and then worked at the Wisconsin Electric Company.
On September 23, 1944 she married her husband of 60 years, Lester H. Mayer. After raising her four children, Gertrude worked as secretary for Church Women United and also as a library assistant for Milwaukee Public Schools at 24th Street School for many years.
Gertrude and Lester moved to Cedar Ridge in West Bend in 1989. Lester passed away August 30, 2005.
Gertrude did a variety of volunteer work and enjoyed travel and Elderhostel with her husband throughout the United States. She loved reading, playing Scrabble, and spending time with family and friends. She was an excellent seamstress and made many beautiful items of clothing and other handcrafts.
She is survived by three children, Phyllis Schmid of Rochester, MN, Geraldine Mayer of Milwaukee, and Daniel Mayer of Minneapolis, MN; two grandchildren, Andrew Schmid of Two Harbors, MN, and Rachel (Chad) Worner of Farmington, MN; two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Sydney Worner; a sister-in-law, Ruth Mayer of New Berlin, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many beloved friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lester, a son, David Mayer, a son-in-law, Milon Schmid, and two sisters, Margaret Hanst and Helen Wiendl.
A memorial service for Gertrude will be held on Monday, November 17 at 12:00 p.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ (501 Walnut St., West Bend) with Rev. Rich Vincent officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorials would be appreciated to Cedar Community (5595 Cty. Rd. Z, West Bend, WI 53095) or Immanuel United Church of Christ (501 Walnut St., West Bend, WI 53095).