Gertrude A Thiel

MADISON - Gertrude Ann Thiel, age 86, was born on Jan. 29, 1937, in La Crosse, to Samuel and Gertrude Angeline (Merman) Thiel. Unfortunately, her mother died after giving birth to her. Gert’s brother, John “Jack,” was 12 1/2 and sister, Joan, was 6 ½ when she was born. Grandparents, John and Augusta Thiel, came to live with the family for the rest of their lives to help care for the children. Gert became Grandma’s little helper around the house with baking, cleaning, and laundry and outside in the massive family vegetable garden. As a preschooler, Gert watched her grandma rest from her work every afternoon, read her Bible and pray. Along with weekly church attendance, this became a daily routine for Gert too. She attended grade school at La Crosse Teacher’s College and high school at La Crosse Central playing clarinet in the band. In 1955 Gert graduated from UW-La Crosse with a teaching degree. During college Gert joined the Alpha Delta Kappa teachers’ sorority and later enjoyed attending reunions.

Gert was thrilled to get a job in Madison where Joan’s family lived. She taught first and second grades for 37 years at Nakoma Grade School which became Thoreau Elementary. Fellow teacher of 20+ years, Lynn Conwell remembers, "Gert loved children and was a great teacher. If something went wrong, or someone misbehaved in the classroom she knew how to make it better. Gert had a way with children. She knew how to encourage each one."

Joan Wiltgen became Gert’s best friend and a roommate along with Mary Ashenbrenner. Eventually Gert and Joan lived in the Carolina apartments by Hilldale until Joan became Mrs. Jim Bloodworth with Gert as her Maid of Honor. Jim introduced Gert to Dr. Paul Ebling of the Madison VA Hospital and another lifelong friendship developed.

Touring the U.S. and other countries became Gert’s vacation hobby. Her travel buddy of 17 years was Dorothy Blotz. They met while volunteering in the Oakwood Coffee Shop. Together they had some amazing trips starting in 1996 at the Balloon Fest in Albuquerque. Georgene Vitense acquainted the two with Butler Travel Group and expanded their trips to include Australia, New Zealand and Russia. Gert always brought back something special from her trips for her four nieces and nephews.

During Retirement, Gert also got involved in a card making club. Once a month they met to create delightful cards to send to family and friends.

Helping, giving, going. Gert always did her best to serve her family, friends, co-workers and church. And she didn’t expect anything in return. That was Gert.

On Christmas Eve 2013, Gert suffered a major stroke. She recovered her speech, her ready smile and grateful heart. She then lived at Bright Star for nearly 10 years. Hospice added extra care near the end. Gert passed peacefully in her bed at Bright Star on July 21, 2023, with Terry and Kris by her side and a farewell phone call from Tammy. (Hearing is the last to go).

Gert is survived by her brother-in-law, Donald Wolf of Madison; niece, Tammy (Scott) Everson of Rib Lake; nephews, Terry (Kris) Wolf of Blanchardville and Todd (Becky) Wolf of Georgia; and niece, Tricia (Jason) Witt of Onalaska; grand-nieces and grand-nephews, Tom (Elle) Everson with Lucas and Lincoln; Tim (Leah) Everson with Jack and Ben; Ted (Kristin) Everson and Hope; Ashley (Mike) Bradley; Ryan (Mindy) Wolf and Laurel; Anna (Brad) Grebner; Ben Wolf; Chasen Witt; and Gracie Witt; along with many wonderful friends.

A celebration of life will be held at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 203 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, with Pastor Nancy Childress officiating. A meal will follow. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in loving memory of Gert Thiel to Agrace HospiceCare or Madison Reading Project. See links below for more information.

A special thanks to the Bright Star and Hope Hospice staff who cared for and comforted Gert and to Gunderson Funeral Home for their help with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420