Gertrude Walentowski

Gertrude Walentowski, age 102, passed away peacefully at home on November 5, 2023.

Gertie, the eldest of four girls, was born in Jennings, to Philip and Martha (Wildner) Krzoska on March 6, 1921.

She met Alby at a dance on the Fourth of July 1937. They were married in Crandon on October 4, 1941, and celebrated 71 years of marriage. 

As a young girl Gertie attended schools in Milwaukee, Jennings, Crandon, Elcho, and Rhinelander where she graduated with the Class of 1938.

 A good student, Gertie skipped one grade in elementary school. Thus, she was just 19 years old when she accepted her first teaching position following teacher training at the Oneida County Normal School. This first assignment was in a two-room school in Jennings, where she taught grades 1-4. Later she would go on to teach in Pelican Lake and Enterprise. 

Gertie’s second career began in 1956 when she accepted a position with Oneida County Social Services. For the next 21 years her responsibilities involved the licensing of foster homes as well as arranging placement of foster children, many of whom remained in contact with Gertie for decades. 

Following her retirement in 1977, Gertie and Alby enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, and gathering with friends and family. She volunteered at the Senior Center and tutored elementary-aged students. Travel destinations included France, Germany, Canada, and Scandinavia. They enjoyed numerous trips to Alaska as well.

 During the 1950s, while busy as a wife, mother, and career woman, Gertie devoted time to become a 4H leader. With the help of parents, she facilitated activities including cooking, gardening, woodworking, sewing, knitting, and babysitting. She was proud of her many club members who earned ribbons at the Oneida County Fair. 

Gertie kept busy. If her knitting needles weren’t clicking her sewing machine was humming. Nearly every family member was a recipient of one of Gertie’s treasured custom-designed sweaters. 

Gertie was a voracious reader of all genres, lifelong learner, teacher, patient listener, superb bread and pie baker, gifted seamstress and knitter, lifelong Catholic, proficient crossword enthusiast, timely note sender, and avid wildlife watcher. Her organizational skills enabled her to pursue numerous interests while still maintaining a beautiful home. 

She was a treasure and remains an inspiration to her family. She will be deeply missed. 

Gertie is survived by her son, Phillip (Betty) Walentowski of Brussels, Wis.; daughter Pat Bell of Rhinelander; special niece Marcia Lafferty of Batavia, Ill.

 She is further survived by her grandchildren Carmine (Steve) Nell, Jacqueline (Brad) Birmingham, Phillip Walentowski Jr., Paul (Melissa) Walentowski; John Bell, Matthew Bell, honorary granddaughter Lesley (Taylor) Smith; 12 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She is also survived by sisters Kathleen Shepherd of Rhinelander and Phyllis (Robert) Kaczmarczyk of Stephenson, Mich. 

Gertie was preceded in death by her parents Philip and Martha Krzoska, husband Alby, sister Marcella Walentowski; brothers-in-law Harry Walentowski and Robert Shepherd.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 13, 2023 at Weber-Hill & Packard Funeral Home in Crandon from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Father John Cerkas will preside. Interment will be held at Crandon Lakeside Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made by visiting www.weberhillfuneralhome.com.