Gertrude Ann Gale

Gertrude Ann Gale, 81, of Wenatchee, died peacefully on July 27, 2015, at Columbia View Terrace Care Home, after a sixteen year battle with Alzheimer's. She was born on October 17, 1933 as the seventh of nine children born to Fred and Catherine (Klug) Wieseler in St. Helena, NE. It was while growing up on the family farm, Gert learned the value of a strong faith, a loving family and hard work. She carried this with her throughout her life. In 1954, Gert graduated from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Yankton, SD, where she began her career as a nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital. Gert married Wallace Gale, on December 28, 1955. From then on there was never a dull moment as Gert and Wally moved their growing family across the country to pursue Wally's career as an ironworker. Their first stop was along the Missouri River where Gert continued to work at Sacred Heart, followed by a move to Springfield, MO where she went to work as a surgical nurse at Burge Hospital. One year later, the family moved to Branson, MO and Gert continued to work as a "special duty" nurse. The next job took the family to Kansas City, MO, where Gert worked at St. Mary's Hospital. For a short time Wally was sent overseas to work, so Gert moved back home to help her dad with chores around the farm while her mom babysat the children. This was until Sacred Heart caught wind of the news Gert was back in town and persuaded her to go back to work. Selina, KS was the next stop for the family, followed by a move to Lincoln, ND then Minot, ND, and finally back to Hardin, MT. In 1964, and seven children later, a job opening allowed the family to journey out west to Wenatchee. Gert drove the truck all the way to Rock Island before it blew up for a second time. She took this as a sign from God to 'STAY PUT!' Gert was soon hired as a night supervisor at Deaconess Hospital. In 1999, after 34 years, she retired as a surgical nurse from Central Washington Hospital. Gert leaves her family with memories of a hard-working, caring, selfless, and proud wife, mother and grandma, who was deeply committed to her Catholic faith. Always putting other people before herself, she was generous and quick to open up her home to any teenager or relative needing a place to stay. Gert was preceded in death by her daughter, Cindy, in 1989. She is survived by husband, Wallace of Wenatchee, WA, and eight children: Doug (Kaye) of Federal Way, WA, Don (Karen) of New Virginia, IA, Dan of Wenatchee, WA, Mary Hyde (Dave) of Wenatchee, WA, John (Karen) of Elk Grove, CA, Andy (Heidi) of East Wenatchee, Jane Olinger (Sonny Whitmore) of Benton City, WA, and Lee (Christine) of Malaga, WA. She was loved by twenty grandchildren and her special caregivers. A Rosary will be held Thursday, July 30, 2015. at 7:00 p.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 31, 2015 at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in East Wenatchee. Immediately following the service a reception and celebration of life will follow at son, Andy's home in East Wenatchee. In lieu of flowers please consider honoring Gert's life by making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley.

Gertrude Ann Gale

October 17, 1933 - July 27, 2015