Gertrude “Trudi” Schuler

Gertrude “Trudi” Schuler, 82, of Lena, Ill. passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at UW Hospital in Madison. Trudi was born on January 14, 1943 in Owatonna, Minn. to Raymond and Bertha (Niespodziani) Busch. She graduated from UW Steven’s Point with a degree in Education. Trudi married TJ Gilley on June 12, 1965. Trudi and TJ taught English at Dakota High School for many years. After they owned and operated Gilley’s Supper Club in Lena, Ill. At Gilley’s Trudi worked as a hostess. Her presence was welcoming, joyful and contagious. Often it was discovered people had driven for hours to eat there just to see her! That was the impact Trudi had on others. She beheld a fun-loving memorable spirit that drew others near.

In 2001, Trudi was united in marriage to Larry Schuler. At their wedding, Trudi’s matron of honor wore a Green Bay Packer’s hat while Larry’s best man wore a Chicago Bears hat. Together they did a toast that they were entering into a “mixed marriage.” Every Sunday Larry was in one room with the Bears game on and Trudi was another room with the Packers game on. A rivalry blessing united in love.

Trudi was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, Ill. where she was very active in her many roles. She was a member of the Delta Mu Women’s Sorority, and active in her book club. In her younger years she enjoyed hunting, camping, boating, and bowling. When Trudi and Larry lived in Pearl City, Ill., she enjoyed helping on the farm. She also enjoyed attending musicals and socializing with others. She loved nature, feeding the humming birds, and planting captivatingly beautiful gardens.

Trudi is survived by her husband, Larry Schuler of Lena, Ill., her children; Todd (Jackie Bass) Gilley of South Carolina, Tara Gilley of Louisville, Colo., and Tanya Williams of Lena, Ill., stepchildren; Carla, Lance, Becky and Jeff, grandchildren; Mitchell (Kyleigh) Mikesell, Alyssa Williams, Paige Williams, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren; Kenlynn, Kora, Gunner, and Briggs, step-great-grandchildren and her brother Tom Busch.

Above all, Trudi was the brightest spirit in all the world to those who knew her. A merry conversationalist, a calm presence mixed with humor, wit and charm. A servant leader who always stepped forward to help. She had a rare ability to bring the best out in others making them feel seen, heard and valued. Her presence lit up every room and her absence is deeply felt. Trudi Rae Schuler was unforgettable. Her story lives on in every person she inspired, every smile she gave, every kind word spoken, every laugh she sparked and every life she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her first husband TJ Gilley.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, Ill.

A visitation will be held from 9 until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, at the church.

Father Andrew Hernandez will officiate the services. Burial will take place at Highland Cemetery in Pearl City, Ill. Cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.leamonfh.com.