In the early morning on Monday November 21st, 2022, surrounded by the presence of her daughters and their families, Gertrud Elisabeth Knoll left this earth to be with God in a new life. Gertrud died peacefully after living with Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout this time and throughout her whole life Gertrud loved and was loved by all of her family. 

 

Gertrud was the eldest daughter of Rudolf and Wilehmine Löwenberger born in Landestreu, Galicia, Poland on February 6th, 1931. She lived a carefree life as a child. During World War II her family moved to Kutno, Poland so her father could help the Germans with agriculture. At the end of the war Gertrud’s mother, sister and brother were forced to go to Germany by cattle train. Gertrud and her father bravely led a train of horse and wagons back to Germany fleeing from the Russian military. The family re-united in Wietzendorf. They emigrated to Canada in 1948. 

 

Gertrud worked as a health care aide in Yorkton Union hospital in order to help her parents begin a new farm in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan. She was a favourite health care worker as she was able to understand and speak to patients in German, Polish and Ukrainian while at the same time learning English. She married Alton Knoll in 1955 and together they worked hard their whole lives creating a loving home for their family, belonging wholeheartedly to Lutheran churches and building a family cottage in Matlock which was a haven for all. 

 

Trudy was a woman with strong beliefs. She loved to host people in her home. She was a great conversationalist and liked to listen to new ideas and share opinions. She would set a beautiful table for all who wanted to be there. She was a cook and baker extraordinaire. She loved the season of spring and the excitement of growing a new garden, at times 3 gardens. Trudy preserved everything she grew. She was an original composter and never wasted food. She was known for her perogies, holopchis, fresh buns and apple pies. She walked outside daily. She sang German songs, loved dancing and was a master card player. 

 

Trudy had a strong faith in God. She went to Lutheran churches in Landestreu, Wietzendorf, Churchbridge, Yorkton, Regina, Edmonton and finally in Winnipeg. She belonged to women’s circles. She helped to lead the Caring Committee at Grace Lutheran which provided luncheons for families and guests after funeral services. 

 

Most importantly Trudy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her husband of 63 years, unendingly. She loved her daughters, she encouraged them to be independent thinkers and offered them constant support and care. She was an exceptional grandmother, caring for her grandchildren as much as possible. She made their favourite foods, sewed for them and took them on walks to learn about nature. She made Christmas Eve and Easter a magical time. She extended this love to her great-grandchildren and to her nieces and nephews. 

 

Trudy leaves to mourn her passing children: Lorelie and Ron, Glenda, Liane and Greg grandchildren: Amanda and Sean, Aaron and Christy, Andrew and Signe, Makenzie and Cory, Courtney, Alex, Rowen great-grandchildren: Joshua, Jordyn, Elin, Jrue, Lena, Brooklyn, Adele.  She is also mourned by her sister Elfriede Fink, brothers Helmut and Dianne Löwenberger, Horst and Eilene Löwenberger, god child Helga Straub and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Alton Knoll and his family, parents Rudolf and Wilhelmine Löwenberger, son in-law Hugh MacDonald and her godchild Cara Roschker. 

 

Our mom, grandmother and great grandmother will be missed always. We are so thankful for the goodness she brought to our lives. Her memory will continue to live on in our hearts and lives forever. Trudy said this prayer at family gatherings in her later years.

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Accept life and be most patient

and tolerant with one another.

Always ready to forgive.

Forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven you.

And above everything else be truly loving

For love is the golden chain of all the virtues.

Colossians 3: 13-14

 

A celebration of life will be held for Trudy on Saturday January 7th, 2023 at 2 pm.

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Abundant Life Lutheran Church

3486 Raleigh St in East St Paul

(note change of venue)

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In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba. 10-120 Donald Street, Wpg, R3C 4G2