Gertrude Schmitz, 92, died on October 20, 2002 at her home in Red Lake Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 23, 2002, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Tim Bushy officiating. Burial will follow in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Red Lake Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5-8 on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at St. Josephs Catholic Church and for one hour prior to the services in the church on Wednesday.

Gertrude Marcella Knott was born on May 1, 1910 in Gervais Township, Red Lake County, MN to Leo and Margaret (Gorres) Knott. She was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic Faith at St. Marys Catholic Church, Red Lake Falls. Her formal education was grades 1-8 at the Country School across the Red Lake River. As a young woman she worked for several area families. She was united in marriage to Edward J. Schmitz on September 26, 1934 at St. Marys Catholic Church. They made their home in the Red Lake Falls area and farmed until 1970 when they moved to their present home in Red Lake Falls.

Gertie was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, gardening, cooking, canning, dancing, making pies and was one of the original members of the Canasta Group. She enjoyed playing the drums and played, on occasion, with the Schmitz Family Band. Gertie had a good sense of humor and was a family oriented person. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of St. Josephs Catholic Church, where she was active in the guild, and a charter member of the Catholic Daughters. She was a woman of faith who was committed to her church.

She is survived by her husband Edward Sr., Red Lake Falls, MN; five children: Vivian Talley, Parkers Prairie, MN; Edward H. (Gaylene) Schmitz, Red Lake Falls, MN; James (Theresa) Schmitz, Red Lake Falls, MN; Leo Schmitz, Red Lake Falls, MN; Janice (Vern) Ebersviller, Waconia, MN; 16 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, one brother Frank Knott Sr., Red Lake Falls, MN; two sisters Gacella Zins, Dickinson, ND; Frances Schiefert, Thief River Falls, MN; one sister in law, Pauline Knott, Red Lake Falls, MN; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gertrude was preceded in death by one son Ronald, brothers & sisters John, Gust, Harvey, Dora, Elizabeth, Matt, and Henry Sr.