Gertie Graber, 98
Gertie Graber, 98, of Freeman, S.D., passed away Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 at the Freeman Regional Nursing Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m., at the Salem Mennonite (South) Church. Visitation and viewing will be Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In Memory of Gertrude Goldie Goering Graber
Gertrude (Gertie) Goldie Goering was born on the family farm June 6, 1927 to Jonathan (Jonas) R and Anna N (Graber) Goering in Galva, Kansas. She joined two older brothers, Elmer and Forrest and her sister Kathryn (Kramer). Sadly, four years later, this young family experienced the loss of their mother to cancer, leaving a profound and lasting void in their lives. Gertie attended Lone Tree School in McPherson County, Moundridge High School, and Bethel College in Newton, Kansas. She was baptized at the Hopefield Mennonite Church in Moundridge, Kansas on November 14,1943 at the age of 13.
Gertie met her husband Clarence R Graber on a summer trip to South Dakota to visit her maternal grandmother, Frances (Graber) Graber, and other relatives living in the Freeman area. Clarence and Gertie married on June 11, 1952 at the Hopefield Mennonite Church in Moundridge, Kansas. Beginning their married life together, they moved to a farm 4 miles south of Freeman where they raised their family. To this happy union were born 3 children: Monica Kay, David Brian, and Gwen Ann. Gertie and Clarence created a loving, Christ centered home filled with art, music, and an abundance of creativity. As their family grew, Gertie loved and cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Gertie enjoyed raising her children, supporting Clarence on the farm, gardening, canning, painting landscapes and flowers, and making the most delicious fruit pies, kuchen, and poppy seed rolls, but her real passion was sewing. She was an accomplished sewist, stitching everything from suit jackets to wedding dresses, but what she loved most was the art of quilting. At the young age of 13, she was encouraged by her dear Aunt Emma (Goering) Stucky to create her first quilt, starting a lifelong passion. Lucky are we who treasure her handiwork and good eye, including many hand quilted pieces from early years honing her craft.
Soon after arriving in the Freeman area, Gertie became a member of the Salem Mennonite Church where she and Clarence were active lifelong members, following the tradition of so many family members who came before them. Gertie’s faith in Christ was deep and sincere. She often shared her hope in Christ with others and encouraged them to seek HIs guidance and promise of eternal life through prayer and trust.
Gertie and Clarence were married 63 years until Clarence’s death in 2016. They were true united partners in every sense of the word from completing home projects to parenting. Gertie and Clarence lived on their farm until David and his wife Cindy took over in 1981. Gertie and Clarence moved to Freeman and lived on Walnut Street – 25 years, Walnut Village – 10 years, Salem Home – 6 years, and Oakview Nursing Home – 7 months.
Cherishing her memory are daughter Monica and husband Bruce Hofer, their two children Cameron (Rina Valez) and their daughter Camilla, Stacy (Jason Medina) their son Ryder and daughter Reagan; David and wife Cynthia Hofer and their four children, Elliott (partner, Alexandra Feldman), Michael (Christina Le) their son Owen, Ashley (Dillon Julius) their son August, and Audrey; Gwen and husband John Hartwig, and a host of family and friends.
Preceding Gertie in death were her parents Jonas and Anna, husband Clarence, brothers Elmer and Forrest and sister Kathryn.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Salem Home, Oakview Nursing Home, and Avera Hospice Team for their compassion and loving care during the last years of Gertie’s long life.
