Gertrude J. Gardner, 83, of rural Watson, passed away Sunday afternoon, February 19, 2017 at Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Effingham.

A requiem mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 24, 2017 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home, with a 7:00 p.m. rosary. Memorial donations may be made to the donor's choice.

Gertrude was born December 5, 1933 in Mt. Olive, the daughter of Carl W. and Johanna Catherine (Hovanec) Thiessen. She married Donald J. Gardner on October 27, 1956 and he preceded her in death on February 3, 2017.

Gertrude is survived by her four daughters, Mary (Christopher) Dust of Watson, Rachel (Kevin) Schoenberger of Fenton, MO, Angela Gardner of Williamsburg, VA and Loretta Gardner of Newport News, VA; six sons, Donald (Cathy) of Teutopolis, John (Shelly) of Effingham, Thomas (Anna) of Beecher City, Paul (Allisa) of Shumway, Matthew of Fenton, MO and Andrew (Christine) of Atlanta, GA; brother, John (Judy) Thiessen; 25 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents; husband and brother, Carl.