Gertrude Lee Maertz

Gertrude Lee Maertz, age 81, of Belle Plaine, MN, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine in the loving care of Jesus and the Kingsway staff.

Gertrude was born to Ervin and Gertrude (Kaspar) Siegel on March 22, 1936 in Milwaukee, WI.  The next month, April 19, 1936, she received the gift of faith and rebirth through the Holy Spirit when she was baptized in the Christian faith at Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.  After attending General McArthur elementary in Milwaukee, she attended Calvary Lutheran School in Thiensville, WI, for grades 3-8.  It was there that she was strengthened in faith and was led to promise continued faithfulness to God at her confirmation on May 28, 1950.

Gertrude was enrolled at Milwaukee Lutheran High School for grades 9 and 10, and attended Doctor Martin Luther High School in New Ulm, MN, for grades 11-12, graduating on June 4, 1954.  She continued her education and Christian training at Doctor Martin Luther College in New Ulm where she prepared to serve in the Lutheran elementary school teaching ministry.  After one year of college she was called into that service, teaching two years at St. Matthew Lutheran School in Appleton, WI.

During her years at New Ulm, the Lord gave Gertrude the opportunity to meet and get to know her future husband, Howard Maertz.  Gertrude and Howard were married on July 6, 1957, at Zion Lutheran Church in Neshkoro, WI.  In addition to the blessing of four children, they were blessed through their marriage with the opportunity to spend many hours serving their Lord and his church side by side, particularly in the areas of Christian education and music ministry.  Gertrude was highly involved in Sunday school, vacation Bible school, youth choir, adult choir, and playing for worship services.  She taught piano lessons for many years, including some students who became church musicians.  Additionally, she was dedicated to her role as homemaker and caregiver.

In her later years many roles were reversed, as others played for, sang to, and cared for her – bringing to mind the truths of Scripture she had come to know and love, and nurturing the faith given by God.

A memorial service praising God for these blessings will be held on Saturday, August 26, at 10:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Hartland, WI, with visitation an hour prior to the service and lunch following.  Visitation will also be held on August 26 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the Wieting Funeral Home in Reedsville, WI.  A committal service will be held at 5:15 pm at St. John-St. James Cemetery in Reedsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to WELS Ministerial Education, The Lutheran Home Association, and Kingdom Workers.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard; a brother, Gerald; two sisters-in-law, June Siegel and Sonia Siegel; and a son-in-law, Jon Enstad.

She is survived by two daughters, Laurel Enstad of New Ulm, MN, and Shirleen Maertz of Hartland, WI; two sons, Rev. David (Lynn) Maertz of Watertown, SD, and Jonathan (Kerry) Maertz of New Berlin, WI; 12 grandchildren, Benjamin (Amber), Michael (Megan), Sarah, Rachel, Joshua, and Abby Enstad; Lauren (Erik) Hansen, Alyssa, Ethan, and Ryan Maertz; Caden and Evan Maertz; two brothers, John and Thomas (Paula) Siegel; four great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gertrude has now received the crown of life which the Lord has promised to all who await his appearing.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10