Gertrude Dorothy Myrtle Stuerzebecher Siems died Aug. 31, 2014, after a stroke earlier in the month. She was only a few weeks from celebrating her 90th birthday.
Gertrude was born on Sept. 18, 1924 in Roselle, Ill. to George and Erna Stuerzebecher and married Elmer Siems during wartime in 1943. As a young farm wife she raised chickens and sold eggs. She worked in the local restaurant and grocery store, then learned to sew and started a seamstress business from her home lasting for decades.
Gertie and Elmer were not able to have children, but they enjoyed time with their many nieces and nephews. Elmer died from cancer in 1991.
After spending the first 85 years of her life in Roselle, she moved to Bayfield in 2010 to live in the mountains with her niece.
She volunteered her skills for sewing projects with individuals and organizations.
She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer Siems, and a sister. She is survived by a sister Edith Wilkening of Bartlett nine nieces and nephews, including Diana Wilkening of Bayfield.
A private graveside service will be held at Pine River Cemetary in Bayfield. Memorial donations can be sent to Hospice of Mercy, 1 Mercado St., Suite 270, Durango, CO 81301.
