Gertrude Leu

Gertrude Alma Leu, the fourth of nine children of Otto August and Ida (Koepp) Leu, was born at her parent's farm home northwest of Hastings, IA on November 2, 1915. Gert was baptized on November 28, 1915 and later confirmed on April 19, 1931 at St. John's Lutheran Church located just across the road from their home. Gert graduated from the Golden Hill Country School and continued to live at home helping her mother raise her brothers and sisters and assisting with the farm chores. During World War II, while her brothers Carl and Bruno served in the armed forces, Gert assisted her father and brother Arnold with the corn harvest. While unloading corn on November 24, 1942, her clothing caught in the elevator twisting off her right arm. Gert never let her misfortune get her down and after receiving her artificial arm quickly made the adjustment to being left-handed. One year later Gert was able to continue her love of crocheting. She enjoyed farm life, cooking and gardening, the painting and up-keep of the farm, and never considered herself to be handicapped. Along with her sister Doris, Gert remained on the farm caring for their parents and especially their mother during her long illness. Gert was a dedicated member of St. John's Lutheran Church and she and Doris volunteered their services as custodians for thirty years. It could be said that caring for St. John's Lutheran Church was their mission in life and they did everything possible to enhance the quality of church for the congregation.
In November of 1999, Gert and Doris moved to the Malvern Village where Doris cared for Gert's needs. In June of 2001, Doris broke her leg and she and Gert moved to the Manor of Malvern nursing home. Doris died on November 5, 2001 and Gert continued to live at the nursing home until she died on April 26, 2002. She had attained the age of 86 years, 5 months, and 24 days.
Gert was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister Edith Hulda Leu, infant brother George Otto Leu, sisters Erna Louise Meyer and Doris Ida Leu, brothers Carl Friedrich Leu and Arnold Otis Leu, and brothers-in-law Albert Meyer and Frank Clary.
Gert is survived by her sister Ruth Maria Clary of Papillion, NE; brother Bruno Adolph Leu and his wife Helen of Glenwood, IA: one niece and five nephews; other relatives and friends.