Gertrude Muriel Rehnberg's Obituary
Gertrude Muriel (Landon) Rehnberg, born January 5, 1919, peacefully joined “The Good Lord” on March 23, 2015 at the age of 96. Her nurse at the time was named Paz (Peace).
Gertrude is predeceased by her brother Daniel, and loving husband Joseph Michael Rehnberg. She was the beloved mother of Thomas Scott Rehnberg of Greeley, Colorado, Suzanne Gail Rehnberg of Hermitage, Missouri, and Cindy Rehnberg Crimmins of Scituate Massachusetts; treasured grandmother of Jennifer Rehnberg, Natascha Schmalvogl, Michele Schmalvogl, Joshua Schmalvogl, Eryl Rehnberg and Allison Crimmins; proud great grandmother of Rilie, Eva, Tia and Zya. Loved by a large, extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews throughout the country, neighbors, dear friends, and caregivers.
Her life began in the Bedford-Stuyvesant borough of Brooklyn, New York, where she survived the Great Depression before moving to Jamaica, Queens. She enjoyed sharing memories about growing up with an extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews. As a young woman she worked for Sperry Gyroscope during war time and also reminisced about working in New York City and taking in The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall whenever she could.
She met and married Joseph, the father of her children, and became a Military Wife, traveling the world and making each of many different houses a humble home. For many years, she raised her children in Denver, Colorado, including one year while her husband served in Viet Nam. In her last years with Joseph, she enjoyed traveling the coastline, collecting shells and taking in the beautiful sights of southern California. She served as a volunteer reading to children at a nearby elementary school, worked in a fabric store, and enjoyed brief stints of studying yoga and geneology. She loved to prepare meals for family, and snacks for card parties with friends. She was accomplished at sewing and crocheting making quilts for each of her children with fabric remnants from their childhood clothing along with some of her own. Her crocheted dish towels are famous to everyone who knew her, and can be found adorning kitchens around the world.
Although fiercely independent, she cherished her loved ones, was proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and surrounded herself with photographs and memory books when she could not be physically near them. She always remembered birthdays, anniversaries and holidays with special notes, cards and thoughtfully assembled care packages. For many years she traveled about the country to greet a newly born grandchild or to attend a graduation. She often shared that she “always wanted to have a family,” and in many ways her family was her life.
Those who knew her well will remember her tending to her garden, especially her rose bushes, riding her bicycle or walking about town. She had a feisty spirit and tender soul. Right through her final weeks and days she was winking, and smiling, and extending herself to connect with those around her. She loved life and in many ways life loved her back, allowing her 96 years, over 40 of them in sunny, southern California. She was a treasure who will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
In keeping with her wishes, A Memorial Service will be held at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary, 225 South Broadway, Escondido CA 92025, Wednesday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation please contact the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, the Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of your choosing. Friends and family are welcome to visit the Alhiser-Comer Website Guestbook to leave online condolences.
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