Gertrud Wendelken, 86, of Brownsdale, Minn., died peacefully at home on April 18, 2014. Gertrud was born on Nov. 5, 1927, in Bruchsal, Germany, the daughter of Eugen and Karoline (Renssler) Greulich.

Gertrud met her charming husband, Roland, while he served the U.S. military during WWII and they were wed on Oct. 27, 1947, in Bruchsal Germany. Gertrud would leave her family in Germany to build their farm in Minnesota, working endlessly to keep the farm after she lost her husband at the young age of 49.

Gertrud will be most remembered for her hard work, dedication, faith, and love of family and friends.

Much gratitude for the friendship and fellowship of Jim and Jeri Christian and Bonnie Nelson.

Gertrud is survived by her children, Roland (Carol) Wendelken, Rochester, Minn.; Doreen (Gary) Beeman, Manly, Iowa; grandchildren, Andy Beeman, Angella (Ryan) Pross, Vanessa (James) Daugherty, Daniel Wendelken; two great grandchildren, Alexis Beeman, Nicholas Pross; one sister, Irene Sickinger and one brother, Walter Greulich both of Germany. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roland; one son, Jeffery; one sister, and two brothers.

Funeral service celebrating her life will commence at 1 pm. Thursday, April 24, 2014, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 411 West Main Street,Brownsdale, MN, with the Rev. Jeffery Sage officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale. Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Brownsdale assisted with arrangements.