Gertrude Tillman

Gertrude E. Tillman, age 89, of Waucoma died Monday, January 8, 2018 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, January 13 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma with Rev. Kyle Digmann officiating. Interment was held in St. Mary's Cemetery, Waucoma with Alfredo Garcia, Bruce Kleve, Vincent Tillman, Bob Kleve, Anthony Tillman and Charlie Stammeyer serving as pallbearers.

Gertrude “Gertie” Elizabeth (Fischbach) Tillman was born on a farm near Alta Vista December 3, 1928. Gertie’s parents were Nicholas and Pauline (Elenz) Fischbach. Gertie’s father died in 1938, so Gertie, along with her siblings and mother, moved to the farm of her grandparents, Matthias and Anna Elenz. Gertie attended country school near the Elenz farm and school in North Washington. Gertie quit school in ninth grade to help out on the family farm.

Gertie married Marcellus (Marc) Tillman June 2, 1948 at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington. Marc and Gertie lived in Waucoma from the time of their marriage until 1953. They moved to Greene for three years and then returned to their home in Waucoma. Gertie lived in the same house for 63 years.

Gertie was employed as a babysitter for a few years. She also worked for Sara Lee in New Hampton from 1974 until 1990. Gertie and Marc enjoyed time at various lakes, taking bus tour trips, taking driving trips and making two special trips to her father’s village in Germany.

Gertie and Marc also liked polka music and dancing. Gertie loved playing various card and board games. She excelled in cooking, baking and canning. Gertie was talented in embroidery, quilting and crocheting, and she had a special knack for genealogy.

Gertie was a member of St. Mary’s Church of Waucoma and belonged to the Catholic Order of Foresters. She was also a 60-year member of the Catholic Daughters of America.

Gertie is survived by two children, Joseph (Claudia) Tillman of Forest City and Mary (DJ) Morris of Waukon; her grandchildren, Marissa (Mike) Flugum, Katie (Adam) Krug, Maggie Tillman, Cindy Garcia (special friend Samuel), Donald Spieker and Ava (Tyler) Cooksley; and her 11 great-grandchildren, Libbie, Emma and Christian Flugum, Kiera, Brooke and Dawson Krug, Brittania and Samantha Garcia, and Avis, Annie and Tucker Cooksley. Extended family includes Alfredo Garcia and Stephanie McCumber, and Gertie is also survived by her brother, Nick (Edna) Fischbach; her brothers-in-law, John (late Betty) Tillman, Bob (Cynthia) Tillman and Merle (Pam) Tillman; and her sisters-in-law, Alvera (late Marvin) Kleve and Phyllis (late Don) Massman.

Gertie was preceded in death by her husband, Marc; her parents; and her sister, Anna Marie (Edwin) Rasing.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Evans Memorial Home and St. Croix Hospice for the love and care they gave to Gertie.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at hugebackfuneralhome.com.