Gertrude Josephine Witschen

Gertrude J. Witschen, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at the age of 94.

Gertie was born on November 6, 1931, in Comertown, Montana, to Eliza (King) and Horace Laverdure. She attended school through the eighth grade and went on to build a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and love.

On January 17, 1949, Gertrude married the love of her life, Norbert Witschen, in Poplar, Montana. Together they built a family and shared a life filled with countless memories. Norbert preceded her in death in 2006.

Gertie was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished her family above all else. She gave freely of her time, love, and wisdom, and her family was always at the heart of her life. She took great pride in the people she raised and the generations that followed, creating a legacy of love, laughter, and memories that will continue for years to come.

For 37 years, Gertie worked in long-term care, dedicating much of her life to caring for others. Her compassion extended beyond her work and into her community. She was a devoted and active member of her church and was a longtime member of Share and Care.

Gertie found happiness in the simple things: sewing, cooking, canning, crafting, camping, garage sales, shopping, church, and—most of all—her family. She had a way of making ordinary moments memorable, and her home was a place where family gathered, stories were told, and memories were made.

Those who knew Gertie will undoubtedly remember her strength, her generosity, her love for her family, and her unmistakable sense of humor. And generations of her family will probably never forget hearing her lovingly familiar words: “Go downstairs or go outside.”

Gertie was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings, her beloved husband Norbert, and three of her children- Larry, Jo, and Robert.

She leaves behind her five surviving children- Audrey Kemp, Pat (Dave) Rall, Tony Witschen, Beverly (Rick) Tuxill, George (Bonnie) Witschen; 17 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, and a lifetime of people whose lives were made better simply by knowing her.

Gertrude was very deeply loved, and her absence will be felt by many. Her family takes comfort in knowing that the love she gave so freely will continue through the generations she leaves behind. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Gertrude’s or Wounded Warrior Project. 

St Gertrudes: (208) 962-3224, or 472 Keuterville Rd, Cottonwood, Idaho 83522

Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Oct 5, 2026 at the Daly-Leach Chapel.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Oct 5, 2026 at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton.