Gertrude Siems

Gertrude passed into eternity August 31st after a stroke earlier in the month. She was only a few weeks from celebrating her 90th birthday. After spending the first 85 years of her life in her birthplace of Roselle, IL, she moved to Bayfield, CO to live in the mountains and enjoy the wildlife and peaceful setting of Colorado with her niece.
She is preceded in death by her parents George & Erna Stuerzebecher of Roselle, IL, husband Elmer Siems of Roselle IL, and a sister Lucille Meyer (Stuerzebecher) of New London, WI.
She leaves behind a sister Edith Wilkening (Stuerzebecher) of Bartlett IL, and 9 nieces and nephews: Bruce Meyer of Hortonville, WI; Dale Meyer of New London, WI; Joyce Jay (Meyer) of Berthoud, CO; Craig Meyer of Greenville, WI; Marie Jean Hess (Meyer) of New London, WI; David Wilkening of Belvedere IL; Daniel Wilkening of Elgin, IL; Diana Wilkening of Bayfield, CO; and Jeanette Baerwald (Meyer) of Hortonville, WI; as well as her feline companion Cami.
Gertrude was born on September 18, 1924 in Roselle Illinois and married Elmer Siems during wartime in 1943. Since at that time most men were at war, Elmer’s brother Willard was the only male in the wedding party as the brothers were farmers and needed to produce food for the area during that period. Gertrude’s immediate induction as a young farm wife taught her many skills including raising chickens and selling eggs. She worked for a number of years in the local restaurant and grocery store until she was encouraged by her beloved friend and boss Annie that she could learn to sew and she made her first dress, … for Annie. From that day she began sewing for other people, which commenced a “Seamstress“ business from her home lasting for decades.
Gertie and Elmer were not able to have children, but Elmer came from a large family. Gertie’s two sisters had 9 children between them to share, so there was never a shortage of offspring in the family to enjoy. When Elmer passed away with cancer in 1991, it left an empty place in Gertie’s heart, but she determined to remain independent and carry on with her sewing business. She moved to Bayfield Colorado in 2010 and continued her legacy of sewing for people, this time in volunteering her skills for sewing projects with individuals and organizations. Gertie will be missed by her family and friends, who will carry many fond memories, stories, and blessings from her life.
A private graveside service will be held at Pine River Cemetary in Bayfield, CO. Her flowers are in her favorite color orange, with the addition of 2 red roses for her and Elmer, 2 white roses for her sisters, and 9 yellow roses for her nieces and nephews. In honor of Gertrude and in gratitude for the precious care she received, a Memorial has been set up with Mercy Regional Medical Center Hospice in Durango, CO. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be sent to:
Hospice of Mercy
1 Mercado St., Suite 270
Durango, CO 81301