Gertrude M. Schulz

Gertrude Marie Schulz, 92, passed away May 13 at the Village of Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst, IL, a senior living community where she had resided the past eight years.

She was born Dec. 5, 1929, in the Town of Meeme, WI, to Arno John and Martha (nee Wessel) Schulz. A 1948 graduate of Kiel High School, she played drums with the municipal band. The band traveled to South Milwaukee, Chicago and Canada to play in festivals and competitions.

She was employed at the Leverance Shoe Factory in New Holstein before moving to Des Moines, IA, to teach ballroom dancing for Arthur Murray Dance Studios. In 1960, she moved to Waukegan, IL, to work at Abbott Laboratories. A few years later, she traveled to Los Angeles, CA, and worked in accounting for a collection agency and later at Royal Globe Insurance Company. She went back to Abbott Laboratories in 1968, retiring there after 26 years.

Although she preferred to be called Gertrude or Gert, family members all knew her affectionately as Gertie.  She had an independent spirit, a generous soul, and traveled extensively around the world. She was an avid reader and crafter, donating much of her handiwork and books to charities.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arno John and Martha; step father Herman Lukesh, brothers Robert, Carl and Arno John; sisters Dorothy Diefenthaler and Marian Piper; sister-in-law Doris Schulz and brothers-in-law Willard (Lefty) Diefenthaler and Jack Piper.  She is survived by sisters-in-law Dolores Schulz and Jean Diefenthaler, as well as 12 nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Gertrude will be held Saturday, June 4, at 11 a.m. at St. John's UCC Schwarzwald, W3401 Orchard Road, Elkhart Lake, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to their favorite charity.