Gertrude E. Wiener

Gertrude E. Wiener, 94, of North Liberty, Iowa, formerly of Sioux City, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2014 at her residence in North Liberty.
"... We boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God and not only that, but we boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." Romans 5:1-5 personifies the life of Gertrude Evelyn Wiener who entered God’s kingdom April 24, 2014, surrounded by loving family members. Anyone whose life was touched by Gertrude knew her as a woman of character with a great sense of humor.
Services will be 6 p.m. Wednesday at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home. A private burial will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to www.christysmith.com .
Gertrude was born March 1, 1920, to Arthur L. and Christina (Brouwer) Taute. She and her siblings, Mary Ellen, LaVerne and Eugene, always lovingly called them "Mother" and "Daddy." Gertrude was raised in the Leeds area of Sioux City during a time when "everybody knew everybody" and "kids made their own fun." She and her siblings played mischievous tricks on one another, went to movies for a nickel on Saturdays, roller skated at the Catholic Hall, played baseball in the vacant lot and basketball in the church basement, and roamed "the hill" behind their house on Harrison Street. They attended Sunday school at the Methodist Church and "were always in a church play." In spite of hard times, she said "Daddy always made sure we had a good Christmas."
Later, it was a joy to drive around Leeds with Mom, LaVerne and Eugene as they reminisced about life in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. They pointed out structures of special significance: Grandma and Grandpa Brouwer’s house; the house where Eugene was born; the house where the window peeper got shot in the face, to name a few.
Gertrude met a farm boy, Marvin Wiener, after thrashing at her Aunt Viola’s farm. They were married for 25 years. In the spirit of love and forgiveness after their divorce, she continued to have a cup of coffee with him when he stopped by the house in James. Marvin died in 2001.
In addition to her own six children, Gertrude raised three granddaughters, Ligeia, Anna and Elizabeth. In turn, they were her primary caregivers. During half-time at the 2008 Iowa vs. Penn State game, Gram was honored with the University’s "Mom of the Year" award.
She set the standard as a hard-working, single mother and grandmother. Among her favorite employers were Barb’s Florals, Bishop’s Cafeteria, Wellers, and New Horizons, where she worked alongside her daughter, Megan. She had a compassion for caring for "old people," some who were younger than she. She had a special relationship with Marie and Ada.
She was a diehard New York Yankees fan and in 2001, rooted for them from a seat in Yankee Stadium. She was an avid reader and crocheted countless afghans for grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other people’s children, and dolls. She had a green thumb and looked forward to the annual Gurney seed catalog. She was fond of her cats and enjoyed watching and feeding squirrels and birds, especially grackles.
God blessed Gertrude with a strong faith. She was a member of St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church for over 50 years, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. With character and hope she endured the sudden losses of her mother, "Daddy," sister Mary Ellen, daughter Barbara Joan, son Lawrence Elliott, and granddaughter Martha Grace.
Gertrude’s love, faith, courage and sense of humor prevailed to the end. One of her parting comments was that she "raised a goofy bunch of kids." Proud to claim that distinction are Mark and Kathy; Christine and Tim Case; Kimberly Pennington; Megan and Keith Ingemansen; as well as Barbara and Elliott. She was "Gram" to 21 grandchildren, Denise, Kristin, Michael, Matthew, Janet, Sarah, Marie, Mark, Kirby, Grace, Maddie, Ligeia, Anna, Elizabeth, Kim, Jessica, Megan, Barbara, Joseph "Artie," Emily and Katherine. In addition she was "Great" to 30 great-grandchildren.
Also left to cherish fond memories of Gertrude are her sister, Anna LaVerne Walston; brother, Arthur Eugene Taute; sister-in-law, Gail Wiener; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, each of whom were special to her. Ah, the stories we have to share. I tell ya.
Isaiah 40:31 "...they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint." As stated by a great-grandchild, "I bet she is having lots of fun."