Gertrude Middendorf

Gertrude Witte Gier Middendorf, 97, died peacefully on Dec. 13 , 2013, at her home in Elm Grove Estates, Hutchinson, KS with family at her side. She was born Nov. 16, 1916, to Henry and Alvina Witte, in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, where she attended Lutheran parochial school. After high school, Gertrude taught in a one-room country school for one year before her marriage to Adolf (Cobbs) Gier on Dec. 27, 1936. They moved to McPherson. In 1944, Grace Lutheran Church, (Missouri Synod) was founded in their living room with thirteen members; Gertrude remained a member until her death. Adolf died on Dec. ll, 1972, and in 1977, Gertrude married Fred Middendorf. They lived in Tempe and Show Low, AZ until his death in 1993, when Gertrude returned to McPherson. In 2008, she moved to Hutchinson. Gertrude was an angel collector whose collection at one time numbered over l, 000. She loved her church and her family and the color blue. She enjoyed travel, including trips to Germany, Hawaii, Africa, and all fifty states. She continued to fly to Seattle until she was 95. She was a woman of great faith and determination.

She is survived by her children, Trudy James of Seattle, WA, Richard Gier and wife, Nancy, of Wheaton, IL, and Henry Gier and wife, Kathy, of Hutchinson, KS, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 2:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church, 800 E. First Street, McPherson. Viewing hours will precede the funeral at the church.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grace Lutheran Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gertrude Middendorf please visit our Sympathy Store.