Gertrude Kathryn Brynteson (Rank)

Gertie Brynteson passed away peacefully on December 22, 2009. Born on August 23, 1906, Gertie lived to be 103 years, 4 months old. Gertie is mourned by her niece and nephew, Barbara and Dana Wall; great nieces and nephew Steve and Cheryl A. Wall, Cheryl L. Wall, and Ellen Westenburg; great-grand nephew David Wall; and dear friend, Judie Uhlir.

Gertie was married to Nels Brynteson in 1925. They lived primarily in Sioux City, IA and Omaha, NE. A few years following her husband’s death in 1984, Gertie moved back to Sioux City. She was a seamstress who began a thriving business at a time when women were discouraged from having careers and continued until long after most would have retired. She loved to play canasta, watch horse racing, and was an avid reader.

It is impossible to distill 103 years of her life, lived well and fully, to a few short paragraphs. She is remembered for her generosity of spirit, her style and love of life, the fierce love she had for her family, and the joy she brought to us all.