Gertrude Ann Klenske
July 25, 1919 ~ December 31, 2013
Gertrude Ann Klenske, age 94, of New Hampton, IA died on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, IA
Gertrude Ann Boyle was born on July 25, 1919 to William and Helen (Chekal) Boyle in Ft. Atkinson, IA. She attended school in Ft. Atkinson and graduated in 1937. Gert attended nursing school at the University of Iowa and graduated in 1939. She was employed as an OR nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in New Hampton. Gert was united in marriage to Lawrence Klenske on October 22, 1941 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Lawler, IA. The couple made their home in New Hampton where they raised their children. In 1967 Gert returned to St. Joseph’s Hospital as a nurse until she retired in 1984. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church, the Rosary Society, and Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed playing bridge, crossword puzzles, visiting with family and friends and helping and caring for other people.
Gert is survived by her children Tony (Lynda) Klenske of Fountain Hills, AZ, Kay (Jerry) Knoll of Murfreesboro, TN and Dan Klenske of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren Tim (Carrie) Klenske of Richmond, VA, Kristin Knoll and friend Dr. Karen Younghale of Nashville, TN, Alisa (Michael) Cull of Nashville, TN, Matt (Jennifer) Klenske of Aliso Viejo, CA and Adam Klenske of North Liberty, IA; great grandchildren Colin and Jensen Klenske, Jesse and Jacob Cull and Noah and Christian Klenske; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents William and Helen Boyle, her husband Lawrence who died on October 27, 1994, two infant brothers, and great granddaughter Domino Klenske.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.
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Dan and family,
We were sorry to hear of your loss of you mother. She was a wonderful lady and so gentle in her special way. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and will continue
to be with you. God be with you all. We are in North Carolina and won’t be in NH but know we care.
Howard and Sharon Bunge
Dan, Kay , Tony, I’m thinking of you and many many memories. I always enjoyed your Mom and Dad. God Bless. Dan Brady
Dan, Tony and Kay,
Having meet your mother only a couple of times over the years and hearing stories about her thru Dan we know that she was one special lady and will be missed deeply. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick and Linda Govern
Kay, Dan and Tony- Our sincere sympathies on the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful gentle lady. I enjoyed her so much over the years playing bridge and visiting. She was just so caring and special. We will all miss her and our thankful to have known her. Cherish your memories! Marge and Rich TeKippe
Kay, Dan and Tony, Your Mother was one great lady. I got to know her quite when your
Aunt Elaine lived next door. I still miss her very much, as she to was a very special person and
the b best neighbor one could have.
I am sure your Mom is happier now that she I at peace.
We will keep you all in our prayers.
Leonard and NormaRosnke
My brother said it best of Trudy’s passing — “Heaven has a new saint.”
The comfort giver, she had a big heart that gave to me and my siblings when we needed it most. The love she and Lawrence had for us was without bounds.
We’ll be forever grateful for what they did for us.
Tom Murphy
Tony, Dan, & Kay, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. She was such a sweet and special lady. She was a good bridge player and we both enjoyed visiting with her in the nursing home. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you all. So sorry we’ll miss her services as we are n Florida. Glenda & Gerald
Tony, Kay, Dan, you had a wonderful mother. I always enjoyed our phone calls, and visits when I came to Iowa. Everyone loved her. You have my sympathy and love, sending hugs, and kisses. Kathleen French Stone and family
Tpny, Kay, Dan, and families, Our sympathy and prayers to all of you on the loss
of your mother. She was a wonderful lady and I enjoyed visiting with her at the
nursing home the past years. She will be missed by many but has now reached
her eternal Kingdom with God.
Dan and family,
We are sorry for Mrs. Klenske’s passing and your loss. You mother (and your father) were exceptional people who made New Hampton a stronger and better place. Fortunatley they raised equally impressive children. Our sypathies are with all of you. John / Cheryl Rigler
Dan, Kay and Tony it was a pleasure to know your Mother, what a lovely lady who loved all and helped everyone, she was a joy. Knowing she will be missed on earth, she will be greatly received in heaven. I’m glad to have known her.
Dee Treece
Gert’s family, my sympathy to you. Gert was a good friend to my mother Betty Steffen and I know they enjoyed working with each other at St. Joseph’s Hospital. I remember Gert as my nurse, when I had my tonsils out. It was so comforting to have a family friend, when I had to stay at the hospital. But I think she made all of her patients feel special, like a family friend. Julie Steffen
Kay, Dan and Tony,
Your mom will be truly missed. I loved to hear her talk about all of you and your children. She was so proud of all of you. I remember all the visits that I had with your Mom and Dad when my Mom and Dad and I would stop in and visit with them. My memories will linger on. God bless you all.
Connie (Sweeney) Dykes
Kay, Tony and Dan, our heartfelt sympathy to all of you and your families on the loss of your mother. She was a very special lady, and I enjoyed visiting with her anytime I returned to New Hampton. She was so pleasant and always had a big smile. I know how hard it is to lose a parent, and especially the last one. You seem to lose a lot of “connections” to “home” once both parents are gone. Knowing that she is now in a better place is of much consolation. We will remember you in our thoughts and prayers. Dan and Marian (Roths) Palmersheim
To Gert’s family –It was a joy to have known Gert through her association with St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was a vibrant, active lady who did so much for others. Gert shined every time she spoke of her family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. With sincerest sympathy, Francie Crawford
To Gert’s family:
The picture you have chosen is how I remember your Mom, always smiling. I always enjoyed our visits. I remember her calling Mom and Dad whenever something medical was happening to one of us kids. She always had to check on us, the dedicated nurse she was. She is at rest and peace now and I hope that brings you comfort.
I wish I could be there for the services, but unfortunately I have to work myself. You will be in my thoughts and prayers and we will light a candle for Gert on Sunday at Mass.
Annette French Speer (Phil’s second daughter)
To Kay and family: Back in the days of St Mary’s Grade School, Kay invited me to stay overnight once in a while. I lived on a farm and it was a big deal for me to stay “in town”. Her parents were always so warm and welcoming. I will always fondly remember those days. My sympathy to the family. Monica Kuennen Burrows
To Tony, Kay, and especially my dear friend Dan,
Dan, you know how I thoroughly enjoyed being around your mother – just as I enjoy seeing her smiling face again in this obituary. She was always smiling, had the quickest wit, and a sneaky little way with jokes and stories. I have missed seeing her over the last few years. I know you all must feel proud and fortunate to have been raised by such an amazing woman with such strong faith. I guess I’ll pray for her but I really feel confident she doesn’t need it. God could hardly find a better person than her. But I will pray for all of you that you learn to adapt without her. My very best wishes to all of you.
Becky Picarrd
Dan and Family, I have warm memories of your Gert and Larry. I remember Gert coming to our house along with Betty Steffen and Ramona Smith to play bridge. I wondering how they could laugh so much. Your Mom was a wonderful person.
Dan I am so sorry for your loss.
Madeleine Ambrose
Dear Dan, Tony, and Kay, You have our sympathy. Gert always had a great since of humor and was an outstanding nurse. She comforted so many in her own quiet and unassuming way. She lived a life of prayer and sacrifice as she enjoyed the time also family and friends. God Bless you and your family. Stan and Ginny
Please accept our sincere condolences. May the words quoted from this song bring you a measure of comfort as it did for us.
”If a man or woman should die, can they live again?
Hear the promise God has made:
He will call; The dead will answer.
They shall live at his command.
For he will have a longing
For the work of his own hand.
So have faith, and do not wonder,
For our God can make us stand.
And we shall live forever,
As the work of his own hand ”(Job 14:13-15)
Sorry to hear of your loss. Many people will keep Gert in their memories. Share yours with your friends and family.
Another great mom named “Gert.” Always loved to see her when in NH.
We are saddened to learn of Trudy’s passing. One great lady and Mother. We always enjoyed her company in New Hampton and visits with our folks Lu and Rex in Santa Monica Ca. We all have lost so many of the family but at least we have the wonderful memories and they will always be in our hearts. Our love to you Tony, Kay and Dan. Sandi, Anita and Ron Bates
Dan, Tony, and Kay. We just want you to know how much Gert & Lawrence meant to us. They played a huge part in our early farming years. We had the pleasure of farming side by side with them early on and then as renters. Always treating us with a “family” type relationship. Dennis had a recent meeting to attend the middle of December back home and stopped in to see Gert. He had a nice visit with her and was happy to see she had that great spirit she always possessed. Dan, she spoke of you and how you are doing and of how you always called her every day. We are sorry we could not be there for her funeral, but you were all in our thoughts and prayers. She will be greatly missed by all, but fondly remembered by us as the wonderful person that she was. She is reunited in her heavenly home now with your father. Peace and Love to you, Dennis & Sheryl Boos
Kay, Dan & Tony
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeanne & Jerry Heit