Gertrude (Aust) CARLSON ZANZIG LEWIS

AUST, CARLSON, ZANZIG, LEWIS, QUALLS, STEPHERSON, WALDSTEIN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 11/29/2014 at 15:48:05

October 28, 1922 --- October 29, 2014

Gertrude "Gertie" Lewis passed away one day after her 92nd birthday. She was born October 28, 1922 in Storm Lake, Iowa and passed away on October 29, 2014 following declining health issues. She was predeceased by her parents Otto and Marie Aust; husbands Ole J. Carlson, Earl A. Zanzig, Roy F. Lewis, and companion Willard "Sam" Qualls. She is survived by her son John D. Carlson (Carol) of Chandler, AZ; daughter Connie M. Stepherson (Lee) of Glendale, AZ; Grandson Dr. Chris J. Carlson (Gina) of Denver, CO; Step-Grandson Perry Stepherson of Pocahontas, AR; Sister Marianne Waldstein of Waverly, IA; Brother Erwin Aust (Patricia) of Shenandoah, IA; 11 nieces and nephews and their children.

Gertie grew up on a farm in Iowa, earned her BA in elementary education at Buena Vista College and taught and coached girls' basketball in Vernon, Iowa. She married Ole Carlson and they farmed near Renwick, Iowa from 1946 to 1956 while still teaching. The moved to Waltham, MN where they owned/operated a cheese factory from 1956-1960. She taught in Brownsdale, MN during those years. In 1960 the Carlson's moved to Mesa, AZ. In Arizona she continued her education at ASU earning her Master plus 73 hours. Gertie taught at Yavapai School in Scottsdale from 1961 until she retired in 1983. Following retirement she substituted in the Scottsdale School system for 10 more years. Gertie was active in her church, First Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving on the council, working in the church library, and volunteering in many other areas. She served as the scholarship coordinator between the American Legion Auxiliary and high schools in Mesa for many years before moving to Peoria, AZ. Gertie never lost the joy of working with or being around children. She was a role model to many through her teaching or helping others. She loved the wonders of nature when camping and traveling. Gertie enjoyed music, dancing, and going to the opera. Most of all she held dear the time she spent with family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held in the chapel at Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery (401 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85257) on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 2:30 PM with a reception following. Burial services will be private. Donations may be made in memory of Gertrude I. Lewis to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or John and Carol Carlson Elementary. 5400 S. White Drive, Chandler, AZ 85249.

The Arizona Republic
November 9, 2014