Gertrude J. Lehner

Gertrude “Trudy” Lehner was called home February 11, 2025, at the age of 104. She was a fun-loving, feisty little woman. She loved life and her family. She loved to tell the stories of her adventures. She would smile, giggle, and sparkle when she would tell these stories.

She grew up as a farm kid in Bird Island, MN. She would tell us how she drove her siblings to school in a Model T. She wasn’t even old enough to drive. She then left MN right out of Minneapolis Business College. She paid $7 to hitch a ride to California. Soon after she decided to do her part for the war effort. She went to WA to work for Boeing, building B17s for WW2. Rosie the riveter was on the outside of the plane, and because of her small size, she was the bucker on the inside. She would fly the finished planes to wherever they were needed. She lit up talking about this time in her life.  

Trudy became engaged to Richard Lehner through the mail. They got married quickly while Richard was home to see his sick mother during WW2. Trudy and Richard later adopted three children: Victoria, Jeff and Dick.

Trudy was a devout Catholic. She taught CCD class on Wednesday nights at St. Agnes Church in St. Paul, MN while was still working full time at the Leaflet Missal far into her 70’s. She was full of energy and constantly on the go.

Her life was a beautiful journey, filled with wonder and grace. A beautiful soul who will be missed greatly by all.

Trudy is survived by her sons, Jeff (Toya) Lehner (IL) and Dick M. Lehner; grandchildren, Andy (Niki) Lehner, Erik, Reagan & Chloe Lehner; great-grandchildren, Neil and Nolan Lehner; and other relatives and friends.

Gertrude will be laid to rest at St. John the Evangelist Cemetery in Little Canada with close family to honor her wishes.