Gertrude Monica Gatz

Gertrude “Trudy” Monica Gatz of Jackson, MI passed away at her home surrounded by family on Friday, December 15, 2023 at the age of 85. She was the daughter of Alfred and Lydia Schellenberger, born August 24, 1938 in Leonberg, Poland.  As a young girl, Trudy, her mom and sister fled Poland at the end of World War II and settled in Germany.  From Germany they immigrated to Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.  During her early years Trudy worked as a corporate secretary and enjoyed teaching Sunday School.  While attending a local Sunday School teacher’s conference she met an American pastor in training who would become her husband.  Rev. William Gatz and Trudy were married on August 27, 1960.  Throughout the years Bill and Trudy followed the Lord’s leading taking Divine Calls to Dashwood, Ontario, Ashland, Wisconsin, Mississauga, Ontario and finally Jackson, Michigan. 

They were blessed with three sons and a daughter.  Trudy is survived by her husband of 63 years, Reverend William Gatz; their children, William (Stacy), Timothy Gatz, Lynne Gatz, and Peter (Angela) Gatz; grandsons, Brett and Braedon Gatz; and sister, Elfrieda Ramsay, along with nieces, nephews and cousins throughout, Ontario, Canada. She was preceded in death by her parents. Trudy was a lifelong Lutheran and had a passion for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and working with the ladies of Redeemer to create quilts for various mission projects. She loved spending time outdoors in the yard and was an avid walker. Trudy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and beloved aunt. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3637 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson, MI on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 11:00am with Pastor Zach Holdorf officiating. Interment will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Adrian, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Michigan District LWML

The family will receive friends on at the Watson Funeral Chapel in Jackson on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 4:00-7:00pm and at the church on Thursday from 10:00am until the time of serve.

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