Gertrude Aileen Tryggestad, age 89, of Altoona, formerly of Eleva, left her earthly home on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Grace Edgewood Assisted Living in Altoona, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 9, 1928 in Los Angeles, CA to Jack and Bertha (Ness) Cummins. She grew up in Eleva and attended school there. She was often addressed as "Trudy" by friends. Trudy attended Waldorf College in IA and later worked at Benson Optical in Eau Claire. She met Gordon Tryggestad while attending a dance at Fournier's Dance Hall and they were later married. Gordon and Gertrude had two children, Michael and Julie. Together Gordon and Gertrude owned and ran a dairy farm. Trudy loved music and enjoyed playing many different instruments, including piano, organ, accordion, Hawaiian guitar, saxophone, harmonica, xylophone, and hand bells. She loved to share music with others, and played for nearby services and nursing homes. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her two children, Michael Tryggestad of Eau Claire and Julie Tryggestad-Smith of Woodbury,MN; two granddaughters, Tina (Christian Cortner) Tryggestad of Eau Claire and Melissa (Brian) Bartels of Woodbury, MN; two great-grandchildren, Elijah Reed and Elizabeth Bartels; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Tryggestad; parents; and brother, Ronald Cummins.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 29, 2017 at Eleva Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Eleva Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6 pm on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home, Eleva and at the church for one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be shared at www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com.
Public Viewing
OCT 28. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CDT)
Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home- Eleva
26129 Pine St
Eleva, WI 54738
Public Viewing
OCT 29. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CDT)
Eleva Lutheran Church
50533 S 2nd St
Eleva, WI 54738
Funeral Service
OCT 29. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (CDT)
Eleva Lutheran Church
50533 S 2nd St
Eleva, WI 54738
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