GERTRUDE DEKARSKE

Gertrude “Trudy” DeKarske, 82, passed away peacefully Nov. 1, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. 

Trudy was born on April 13,1939 at her parent's farmhouse in Deerbrook, WI. She graduated from Antigo Highschool in 1957. She attended UW Stevens Point where she earned her teaching degree. Trudy was employed by the Menasha School District for almost 40 years. Here she made many lifelong friends and touched the lives of many students.

Across the street from the first school Trudy taught at lived a handsome guy that she had her eye on. Trudy made her move when she saw him out at Fuzzy's Left Guard in Menasha. And the rest is history. Trudy and Dennis “Red” DeKarske were united in marriage in 1965. They settled in Neenah and had one daughter Melanie (late Dr. Tom) Siegel

Travelling was Trudy and Red's passion. Along with their daughter they visited almost every state including Alaska and Hawaii. After the many road adventures, they began cruising. But their very favorite place on earth was Aruba and they made it there at least once a year for 30 consecutive years. 

When not seeing the world Trudy and Red would spend time attending to their beautifully landscaped yard. This included ponds with huge goldfish. All this was created by their hard labor. 

But Trudy's greatest joy were her granddaughters Avalyn “Avi” and Haven Siegel. Trudy was at every school and sporting event that she could attend!

Trudy was also active in card clubs with dear friends and many volunteer organizations including the Lions Club, Altrusa (Oshkosh) and was a docent at the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum.  She was an avid Packer's fan and loved rooting for the Cubs. 

Trudy had a huge heart, and we'll forever remember her infectious laugh which usually ended in a snort! 

Trudy is survived by her husband, Red DeKarske; Daughter,Melanie Siegel;    Granddaughters: Avi and Haven Siegel;  Sister, Barbara Gmeiner; Sister-in-law, Joyce DeKarske;  Nieces: Melissa (Kenny) Verstegen, Suzanne (Daniel) Blohm;  Nephews: Gregory Gmeiner, Daryl and David DeKarske.   

Trudy was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie and Irvin Schweitzer; Brother, Jerry Schweitzer; In laws, Eulalia and Erwin DeKarske; Son-in-law, Dr. Thomas Siegel; Brothers-in- law; Russel Gmeiner and Dale DeKarske. 

We'd like to thank the amazing caretakers at Island Shores who attended to Trudy for the last year. 

Per Trudy's request there will not be a funeral. However, we'd like to celebrate her beautiful life. Please join us at The Dome on December 5 from 1:00PM-4:00PM, (1338 S Commercial St, Neenah) 

In lieu of flowers or donations- Please do something nice for someone, donate a book to a school or volunteer in Trudy's honor.