Gertrude M. Beyer

Gertrude M. Beyer, age 94, passed away at the Renaissance in Appleton after a brief illness. She had resided at the Renaissance for the past four years. Gertrude was born January 16, 1913, in Neenah, Wisconsin to Peter and Anna (Nelson) Larsen. She attended the Larsen Grade School through the eighth grade and graduated from Neenah High School. She worked as a cook and nursemaid for the Carlton Smith family in Neenah. On July 18, 1943, she was united in marriage to Martin F. Beyer at Grace Lutheran Church in Winchester, Wisconsin. Gertrude and Martin established their home in Appleton, where they raised their family of five children. Martin preceded Gertrude in death on May 8, 1994. Gertrude was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Appleton and was the eldest member of the congregation. She was instrumental in starting the library at Grace, and presented summer story hours for Grace children. Gertrude served in the Christian Education program for many years as a Sunday School teacher and with Wednesday evening education program activities. Gertrude was an accomplished seamstress, and enjoyed sharing counted cross-stitch and woven bell pull projects with family and friends. Most recently Gertrude did the handwork for her daughter’s quilting projects.

Gertrude is survived by two daughters, Mary (Jim) Rickerd of Boise, Idaho; Elizabeth “Betsy” (Harlan) Woodward of Columbus, Wisconsin; two sons, Peter (Kathy) Beyer of Sherwood; John (Leanne) Beyer of Appleton; eleven grandchildren: John, Carin, Kristin, Gomin, Adrian, Michael, Michelle, Martha, Mary, Eric, and Philip; ten great grandchildren: Brendan, Caitlin, Sophie, Danielle, Trajan, Tayten, Cayden, Brianna, Aidan, and Finley; a sister-in-law: Agnes Edwards of Waverly, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Martin; a son Mark; a grandson Douglas Beyer; and two brothers, Arthur and Horace.

Funeral services for Gertrude will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 30, 2007 at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 900 N. Mason Street in Appleton with Rev. Judy Deckert officiating. Friends may call directly at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the hour of the service. Interment will take place at Grace Lutheran Church Cemetery in Winchester.

The family has suggested that memorials be directed to the Winchester Area Historical Society, Lutheran Bible Translators, or Grace Lutheran Church of Appleton.

“In my Father’s house there are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:2

The family would like to extend their special thanks to the caregivers at the Renaissance, Heartland Hospice, and to the many friends who provided compassionate support and care in order to make Mom’s last days more comfortable.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 54911
920-739-1231