Gertrude Heloise Thorsell's Obituary
Gertrude H. Thorsell, age 97, of Chanute, KS, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2014 in Chanute. Gertrude was born on February 9, 1917 in Richfield, KS, the oldest daughter of 12 born children to George and Daphne (Murray) Walker.
Gertrude was born and raised in a part soddy, part frame home in Morton County Kansas near the end of Kaiser Wilhelm’s insurrection, during the depression and the dustbowl. She also experienced a Kansas tornado nearly losing all of their possessions. Gertrude graduated from Richfield High School and then went on to get her teaching degree from Garden City Community College and Pittsburg State University. She met her husband, Galen, while teaching at Vilas High School. After raising her family, she taught in several area districts during the 60s and 70s. Gertrude was a member of Retired Teachers and Peace Quilters at Zion Lutheran Church. She was also a member at Zion Lutheran Church in Chanute. Gertrude loved to volunteer at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center and was also a volunteer 4-H leader.
Gertrude is survived by sister; Iris Austin of Cedar Rapids. Iowa, two daughters; G. Catherine Thorsell of Chanute, Margaret A. Avalone of Silver Spring, Maryland, three sons; Galen E. Thorsell and wife Gladys of Wamego, KS, William R. Thorsell and wife Valerie of rural Chanute, and George R. Thorsell and wife Karen of N. Mankato, Minnesota, 11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a large host of nieces and nephews.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, George and Daphne, husband; Galen Thorsell, brothers; Emmett, John, Luther, Raymond, Earl, Paul, Murray, and Fred, sister; Virginia McGill and Jennie Talbert.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 17, 2014 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Chanute. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 16, 2014 6-8 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home, Johnson Chapel. Interment will follow at Vilas/Bethel Cemetery outside of Chanute.
Family suggests memorials to the Zion Lutheran Church SONshine Preschool, and may left with or mailed to the funeral home. Countryside Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.
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