Gertrude F. Kenter, 91 of Effingham, passed away Thursday evening, July 19, 2018, at HSHS St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to the Effingham Area Alzheimer's Awareness or the Catholic Children's Home of Alton.
Gertrude was born November 23, 1926, in Teutopolis, the son of William H. and Elizabeth (Hoelscher) Hartke. She married William "Bill" Kenter on August 31, 1946, and he preceded her in death on May 5, 2018. Gertrude was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic and was a Gold Star Mother. After retiring from Illinois Glove Factory, she became a substitute cook for the Effingham Unit 40 Schools.
Gertrude is survived by her children, Joseph (Lynette) of Weston, NE, Dick (Lucy) of Effingham, Susan (Kevin) Knecht of Springfield, John (Ladeana) of Effingham, Amy (Tim) Mehl of Altamont, Bill (Cindy) of Beason and Ellen (Javier) Navarro of Shumway; 23 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael, who died serving our country in Vietnam; five brothers; two sisters; grandson, Christopher, and granddaughter, Jennifer.