Gertrude Tillman

Gertrude E. Tillman age 89 of Waucoma, IA, died Monday, January 8, 2018, at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2018, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma with Rev. Kyle Digmann officiating. Interment will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery, Waucoma with Alfredo Garcia, Bruce Kleve, Vincent Tillman, Bob Kleve, Anthony Tillman, and Charlie Stammeyer serving as pallbearers. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2018, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma. Where they will be a 3:30 p.m. Rosary followed directly by a parish scripture service. Gertrude “Gertie” Elizabeth (Fischbach) Tillman was born on a farm near Alta Vista, Iowa, on December 3, 1928. She entered into her eternal rest on January 8, 2018, at Evans Memorial Home, Cresco, Iowa. Gertie’s parents were Nicholas and Pauline (Elenz) Fischbach. Gertie’s father died in 1938, so Gertie, along with her siblings and mother, moved to the farm of her grandparents, Matthias & Anna Elenz. Gertie attended country school near the Elenz farm and school in North Washington. Gertie quit school in 9th grade to help out on the family farm. Gertie married Marcellus (Marc) Tillman on June 2, 1948, at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington, Iowa. Marc and Gertie lived in Waucoma, Iowa, from their marriage until 1953. They moved to Greene, Iowa, for 3 years. They returned to their home in Waucoma. Gertie lived in the same house for 63 years. Gertie was employed as a babysitter for a few years. Gertie worked for Sara Lee in New Hampton from 1974 until 1990. Gertie and Marc enjoyed time at various lakes, taking bus tour trips, taking driving trips, and making 2 special trips to her father’s village in Germany. Gertie and Marc also liked polka music and dancing. Gertie loved playing various card and board games. Gertie excelled in cooking, baking, and canning. Gertie was talented in embroidery, quilting, and crocheting. Gertie had a special knack for genealogy. Gertie was a member of St. Mary’s Church of Waucoma and belonged to the Catholic Order of Foresters. Gertie was also a 60 year member of the Catholic Daughters of America. Gertie is survived by two children: Joseph (Claudia) Tillman, Forest City and Mary (DJ) Morris, Waukon. Her grandchildren are: Marissa (Mike) Flugum, Katie (Adam) Krug, Maggie Tillman, Cindy Garcia (special friend Samuel), Donald Spieker, and Ava (Tyler) Cooksley. Gertie had eleven great-grandchildren: Libbie, Emma, and Christian Flugum; Kiera, Brooke, and Dawson Krug; Brittania and Samantha Garcia; Avis, Annie, and Tucker Cooksley. Extended family includes Alfredo Garcia and Stephanie McCumber. Gertie is also survived by her brother Nick (Edna) Fischbach; her brothers-in-law: John (late Betty) Tillman, Bob (Cynthia) Tillman, and Merle (Pam) Tillman and her sisters-in-law: Alvera (late Marvin) Kleve and Phyllis (late Don) Massman. Gertie was preceded in death by her husband, Marc; her parents; and her sister: Anna Marie (Edwin) Rasing. The family wishes to thank the staff at Evans Memorial Home and St. Croix Hospice for the love and care they gave to Gertie. Memorials may be directed to the family.