Gertrude A. Gehlauf

Gertrude A. Gehlauf, 92 of Sullivan, MO passed away Monday, December 25, 2023, at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.

Gertrude Alvena was born on March 13, 1931, to the late Arthur and Grace (Spicer) Haase in Bourbon, MO where she was raised on Blue Spring Creek. She attended a one-room school house in Bourbon and ultimately graduated from Sullivan High School.  She was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Lowell Gehlauf on June 3, 1950, and to their union four children were born, Susan, Linda, Robin, and Charles. Their children were raised with a love for Christ and a heart for service as well as a love for God’s creation; she particularly loved bird watching and long rides in the country with her kids and grandchildren.

Gertrude and Lowell were long-time members of First Baptist Church of Sullivan where she taught Sunday School, served as Chapel Director, and was a leader in the Girls and Ladies Auxiliaries. She and Lowell worked together in the bus ministry to bring many other children and their families to know the Lord. Even in her last few years Gertrude continued her ministry of caring for and sharing the love of God with new  friends she made at her last home at Victorian Place of Sullivan.

While raising her beloved children, Gertrude was also employed outside the home by the former Pacco and Ramsey Corporations. After retiring, she continued to work at Walmart. Her cheerful disposition was evident no matter what she was doing.

Gertrude’s hands were rarely idle. She was a gifted artist, poet, seamstress, and quilter. She hand-crafted beautiful quilts for each of her children and grandchildren. She was accomplished at drawing in pencil, painting, and writing poems which she included in cards and letters to friends and family. In addition to her own talents, she also loved attending her children and grandchildren’s music, sports, and theatrical events.

She is survived by her children, Susan Crouch and husband Dennis, Linda Terry and husband Butch all of Sullivan, MO, Robin Middleton of Huntsville, Alabama and Charles Gehlauf and wife Denise of Sullivan, MO; eight grandchildren, Dina Vitale and husband Jim, Sara Vassallie and husband Brady, Tricia Blankenship and husband Mike, Holly Blanton and husband John all of Sullivan, Jannel Boast and husband Jared of Bourbon, Meghan Middleton and husband Rene Silva Viego of Huntsville, Alabama, Madeline and Claire Gehlauf both of Sullivan; fifteen great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband Lowell Gehlauf; granddaughter, Lisa Holiday; her parents, Arthur and Grace Haase; two brothers, Arthur and Herman Haase; three sisters, Clara Lauxman, Vivian Hodge and Marjorie Gross.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 30, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Sullivan with Pastor Chester Lahmann and Pastor Steven Day officiating. Interment will follow in Old Cave Spring Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 TO 8:00 pm, Friday, at First Baptist Church of Sullivan.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home.