Gertrude Townsend
June 16, 1917 - October 25, 2015
Obituary
Gertrude V. Townsend, age 98 of Shullsburg, WI passed away Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City, WI. She was born June 16, 1917 in Boaz, WI the daughter of Clifford and Anna (Stadley) Gile. Gert was united in marriage to Bergen "Tink" Townsend on June 4, 1936 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Shullsburg. She lived in Shullsburg most of her life where she and "Tink" raised their family.Gert is survived by her children: Ken (Bernadine) Townsend of Dubuque, IA, Jim (Carol) Townsend of Bellevue, IA, Dick (Donna) Townsend of Moline, IL, Betty (Dave) Thompson of Rockford, IL, Tom (Nerrie) Townsend of Arlington Heights, IL, Harry (Carol) Townsend of Cedar Falls, IA, and Diane (Judd) Jones of Montgomery, IL; one brother: Bill Gile of Shullsburg; two sisters: Mary McCoy of Madison, WI, and Jean Otting of Cascade, IA; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband on May 15, 2009; one grandson: John Fitzgerald Townsend; and five brothers: Cliff, Jim, Bob, Charlie, and Cletus Gile.Gert was a member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church and its CCW and a past member of Ladies Catholic Benevolent Association. Her most precious moments were when she spent time with her family. Along with Gert's love of music and dancing her family will always remember her for the support and encouragement she gave them in their educational and sporting endeavors. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 30, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church (344 N. Judgement St, Shullsburg) with Rev. Joji Reddy officiating. Burial will be in St. Matthew's Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday, October 29, 2015 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (235 N. Judgement St, Shullsburg) where a scripture reading will be held at 4:00 P.M. There will also be a visitation Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Gert's name.The family would like to thank Dr. Lori Neumann and staff at Shullsburg Clinic and Dr. Jeffrey White and staff at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City for their fine care and concern.
Events
There are no events for Gertrude yet.
Photos
No photos of Gertrude have been shared yet.
Memories
TF
The Jim McCarthy Family
Other •
You are in our thoughts and prays. Us McCarthy Kids still remember going over to Shullsburg to visit Gert and Bergen and having Sunday dinner with the whole family. What great memories.
TL
Ted & Bev Leahy
Other •
Sincere Condolences to the Townsend family. She was a great mother to a wonderful family. She will be missed.
MS
Margaret Spillane
Other •
I was unable to attend the wake nor the funeral of my dear friend Gert. She was a wonderful lady. My sympathy to the family.
DW
Doris Wiegman
Other •
Helen Wiegman and her family would like to extend our sympathies to Gert’s family. Our mother, Helen, sat at the dining room table with Gert at Epione and we all enjoyed having her with us. She was a sharp, funny and intelligent woman and so proud of all her family! Our deepest sympathies to you.
SO
Sister Mary Clare O'Toole
Other •
Accept my prayerful support at this time. I never met Gertrude but her son, Ken, was very helpful to the Dubuque Franciscan sisters at a time when we were making decisions about Xavier Hospital. Ken also was a wise and dedicated member of the Mercy Hospital Board and a responsible civic leader in our city. I am sure his mother was an important person in his life and was proud of him.
GB
George & Lorna Burns
Other •
To all the Townsend family - Our most sincere sympathy to all. Our thoughts and prayers go your way. We regret that we were unable to attend Gert's wake and funeral in person to pay our due respect as we are on the road to our winter get-away in San Diego. Love you all!!!