Gertrude E. Larson
Gertrude Edna (Ploetz) Larson was called to heaven to be with her Savior, Jesus, on June 17, 2018 at the White River Health Care Center at the grand age of 97 years, two months and 12 days. She was born on April 5, 1921 near Readfield, in Mukwa Township WI to August Heinrich (Henry) Emil Ploetz and Mabele Ernstine Augusta (Borchardt). She graduated from Washington High School in New London, WI in 1939 and attended Milwaukee State College to obtain her teaching permit. She taught school at Emanuel Lutheran in New London, WI from Sept. 1941 through May of 1948.

While visiting her brother Rev. Erwin Ploetz (minister of Zion Lutheran Church 1945-1954) in the summer of 1947 she met Neal Larson. He was leaning up against the Mission Pool Hall when she first saw him. It was love at first sight. They were married the following year on June 3 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New London, WI. They made their home on the Larson family farm/ranch where they would spend the next 67 ½ years of their lives. Failing health required more assistance than they could get at home, so they moved into the nursing home in White River in 2016. The very caring staff made it a good home for mom. Thank you White River Health Care Center.

Gert was a devote Christian, loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-
grandma and aunt. Gert loved her entire family unconditionally. She served as organist for Zion’s Lutheran Church in Mission for 60 plus years and was often a substitute teacher at Zion’s Lutheran School in Mission. She was writer and editor of the Badlands Sandhills Earth Science Club Bulletin for 40 years (and a very active member). She was blessed with an angelic singing voice that was frequently called upon at both weddings and funerals. She could play the organ, piano, french horn, and the viola. She loved rock hunting, music, singing, cooking, needlework, photography, playing cards and board games. Gert loved to keep in contact with friends and family through letters and was blessed with the most beautiful handwriting!

Gertrude is survived by five children and their families: Mark and Mary Ann Larson of rural Bangor, WI, Peter Larson of Hill City, SD, Neal and Brenda Larson of rural
Keystone, SD, Jill and Keith Olson of rural Mission, and John and Elsia Larson of rural
Mission, 18 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Noma Sazama, niece and god-daughter Nancy Brown along with 13 other nieces & nephews and their families; special daughters in laws, Deni Pryor and Nadine Adams, plus many good friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Neal, of 68 ½ years, her parents, brother
Erwin (Erv) and his wife Rogene, sister Irene, twin sons Paul Neal and John Henry, great grandson Braeden, in-laws - Joyce and Harry Mulder, Corinne and Bill Neujahr, and George Sazama.