Gertrude Laughlin, age 101, 1898-2000

DOUGHERTY, LAUGHLIN, WALSH, WELCH

Posted By: M. Durr - IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 5/18/2010 at 15:47:36

Gertrude Laughlin, 101, died March 10 at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Funeral service was held March 14 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Waukon under the direction of Father Ed Lechtenbert. Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery, rural Lycurgus.

A lifetime area resident, Gertrude was born June 9, 1898 in French Creek Township to Andrew and Ella (Dougherty) Laughlin at their family home. She lived on her parent's farm until 1939, when, with her mother, she moved to Waukon upon her father's death.

While living on the farm, Gertrude helped with work there and taught school.

Gertrude attended the rural French Creek School No. 5 through grade eight, then attended two years of high school at St. Pat's, and finished her junior and senior years at Waukon Senior High, where she graduated from the normal training course in 1917. She later attended summer school at Winona State Teacher's College.

Gertrude taught rural school in different townships of Allamakee County for 39 years.

While living on the farm, she attended St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lycurgus, belonged to the Rosary Society, taught religion classes and helped with church activities.

Gertrude enjoyed sewing, doing handiwork and traveling, mostly with Hawkeye Stages of Decorah, touring much of the U.S. and Canada.

After retiring from teaching, when rural schools closed, Gertrude worked as a cleaning lady in homes, apartments, offices, at Waukon Bakery and the golf house. She also did some caring for children.

She was a member of St. Pat's, the Rosary Society and the ALCW. She belonged to the Senior Citizens, the Retired Teachers group and the Friendship club at Waukon State Bank. She was a former volunteer at the Waukon museum, meal site and the St. Pat's mission sewing group.

In addition to her parents, Gertrude was preceded in death by three brothers, Emmet, Andrew Jr. and Harold; two sister, Mary E. Walsh and Ella Francis; and two nephews and two nieces.

Surviving her is her sister, Mrs. Anna Welch; six nieces; six nephews; 33 grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and four first cousins.

Casket bearers were her grand-nephews Steven Tabor, David, Patrick, William and Neal Walsh and Mark Ritter.

Arrangements were made by Hanson Funeral Home of Waukon.

Please note: This obituary was written by the deceased prior to her death.

Postville, Iowa newspaper of the time clipping, hand dated 2000, from my mother's obituary collection. Posted for genealogical purposes, contributor is not related.