Gertrude Marie Vonderhaar

Obit Gertrude Marie Vonderhaar-107

Kroll Funeral Home Hebron, NE 402-768-6165

Gertrude Marie Vonderhaar (Hergott) was born to Joseph and Matilda (Rauner) Hergott on September 11, 1910 in Gilead, Nebraska. She departed this life on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at her home in California. She grew up as one of 13 siblings on the family farm just outside Hebron. In 1930, she met Robert A. “Bob” Vonderhaar and they married on June 7th, 1932.

Starting a family during the Great Depression, Gertrude quickly became very skilled at making the most of what little they had. She was a quilter, seamstress and canner, growing fresh fruit and vegetables in their annual garden. She frequently made clothes for their 9 children and ensured all the children were fed and attended school every day. She was an expert pie maker and could stretch minimal ingredients into a meal for 11.

Gertrude and Bob raised 9 children of their own and were extensively involved in the lives and raising of many of their grandchildren.

Gertrude enjoyed writing and gardening, cooking and playing cards and maintained a keen sense of humor until the day she died. Although Gertrude had never had a car accident (except for a deer she hit on a highway in Nebraska), she gave up her drivers license and gave away her car when she turned 100. Her spirituality and faith continued to be an integral part of her life as she attended Catholic mass every Sunday and said the Rosary nearly every evening before bed. Despite several of her children asking her to come live with them, Gertrude refused repeated offers, insisting on remaining in her home where she lived for more than 30 years with her husband until his death in 2006. She cooked most of her own meals and looked forward to daily visits by her kids and other family members.

Gertrude was preceded in death by 10 of her 12 siblings, her husband, Bob, in December 2006, and their daughter, Judy Sneed, in 1996.

Gertrude is survived by 8 of her 9 children – Virginia, Marilyn, Barbara, Charlotte, Robert (Bob) Jr, Linda, Jennifer, and Joseph one brother Joe Hergott and wife Beverly of Hebron, and one sister Florine Lenahan of Chicago, IL along with 24 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. Gertrude’s kindness, friendship, wit, and motherly love will be truly missed.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hebron at 10:30 AM. Officiant will be Father Rudy Oborny. Rosary service will be Friday 7PM at Kroll Funeral Home Capel in Hebron. Closed casket no viewing. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorial in care of the family. Condolences may be left at www.krollfh.com. Kroll Funeral Home of Hebron, NE is in charge of arrangements.

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