Obit: Stapel, Gertrude M. (1917 - 2001)

Surnames: Stapel, Rose, Stelzl, Morrow, Stecker, Mellenthin, Klein, Will, Hansen

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Wood Co., Wis.) Jan. 2001

Stapel, Gertrude M. (10 May 1917 - 27 Jan. 2001)

SPENCER - Gertrude M. Stapel, 83, formerly of Spencer, was called Home by her Heavenly Father on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2001.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2001, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Clark Street, Spencer, by the Rev. Karl A. Rose.

Her earthly body will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery in Marshfield, following the services at the church. Pallbearers are Michael, Mark and Aaron Stelzl, Roger and Eric Morrow, and Tim Stecker. Honorary pallbearers are Chadwick and Steven Stelzl.

The family and friends may gather from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001, at the Community Funeral Home in Spencer.

Gertrude was born in the Town of Brighton, Marathon County, on May 10, 1917, the daughter of Adolph and Ida (nee Mellenthin) Stelzl. She was baptized into the Lord’s family on June 10, 1917, at Trinity Lutheran Church. She personally renewed those vows at her confirmation at Trinity Lutheran Church on April 13, 1930.

On Sept. 9, 1951, she exchanged vows before that same altar with her husband, Walter H. Stapel, who preceded her in death on Oct. 8, 1988. Gertrude attended Brighton and Spencer Public Schools, graduating from Spencer High School as salutatorian of the Class of 1934.

Twenty-five years were spent serving her Lord through the congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent. She was a member of the Ladies Aid and Altar Guild. She had been employed at Spencer State Bank serving as a Vice President at the time of her retirement.

Gertie had a love for nature, especially birds and flowers. She firmly believed “one is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.”

Surviving loved ones include two sisters, Isabelle (Gerhard) Klein of Spencer and family, Arlene Stecker of Arpin and family, sister-in-law, Joan (Neland) Will of Spencer and family and a brother-in-law, Arthur (Leota) Stapel of Wausau and family.

In addition to her husband and parents, Gertie was preceded in death by her brother, Arnold Stelzl on July 1, 1979; her sister, Adeline Hansen on March 8, 2000; and a very special niece, Merydene Stecker Ingham on Feb. 19, 1998. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” II Peter 3:18

 

 


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