On September 4, 1930, Gertrude was married to Virgil E. Swanson in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and a son Richard, was born to this union. The family operated the Texaco Service Station in Scribner from October 16, 1930 until May of 1947. In 1949, they purchased an interest in the Sievers Insurance Agency and Gertrude assisted her husband in this business until they retired in 1975. Also, during the early years, she wrote for the Fremont Tribune.
She was an active member of the United Church of Christ in Scribner, originally joining in 1932. She held several offices in the church, including President of the Women's Fellowship, choir director, and deaconess. She was a past president of the Scribner Women's Club, Past Matron of Mystic Circle Chapter No. 126 Order of Eastern Star of Scribner and current member of Friendship Chapter No. 122 Order of Eastern Star of Hooper. She was also a member of the Eastern Nebraska Genealogical Society. And she had served on the Board of the Musbach Museum in Scribner for many years. In 1969, she began as a volunteer at the new Good Samaritan Center in Scribner and served as the activities chairman until a paid director was hired. She continued volunteering until her health failed in 2009. She had also volunteered at the Scribner Public Schools for 10 years.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Virgil in 1977, her son Richard in 2002, and 2 sisters Bertie and Ada.
Survivors: daughter-in-law - Gloria Swanson of Scribner
2 grandsons - Michael (Lori) Swanson of Tallahassee, Florida
Steve (Rache) Swanson of Scribner
5 great grandchildren - Alex, Patrick, and Mary Clare Swanson of Tallahassee
Matt and Kyle Swanson of Scribner
The funeral service will be 2 PM, Thursday (Oct. 14th) at the United Church of Christ in Scribner with Larry Jirsak officiating. The committal will follow in the Scribner Cemetery.
Visitation will be in Ludvigsen's Scribner Funeral Chapel on Wednesday from 3 to 8 PM., with an Eastern Star Service (open to the public) at 7 PM Wednesday evening.
Memorials are suggested to the United Church of Christ , the Musbach Museum, or the Good Samaritan Center, all of Scribner.
Online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
Condolences(4)
Gary and Sara Cordes
Hooper, NE Thursday, October 14, 2010 Gloria and family, So sorry to hear of Gertrude's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have such good memories of Gertrude volunteering at the school and working with the kids. She was a good person. She will be missed. Gary and Sara CordesAnne Jung
Napa, CA Tuesday, October 12, 2010 Just read in the Tribune of Gertrude's passing. Truly a gracious and giving lady. You're in my thoughts and prayers.Susan Hagerbaumer
Hooper, NE Monday, October 11, 2010 Gloria So sorry to read of Gertrude's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts.Jack and Nancy Hank
La Vernia, TX Monday, October 11, 2010 I have such lovely memories of Aunt Gertrude. She was always so warm and friendly. I remember the Swanson family reunions in Scribner, and visiting her in her home when we were in town. She lived a full life, with lots of family for her to love and who loved her.