Gertrude Votruba

Gertrude Emma Alma Votruba, age 94, of Winona, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020.  She had previously lived at the Valley View Towers for many years, and was currently residing at Benedictine – St. Anne.

Gert was born in Chatfield, MN, on March 3, 1926, to Frank and Susie (Bernard) Bornfleth.  She married Melvin Bicknese in 1947, and they later divorced.  She married Joseph Frank Votruba on January 15, 1969, and he preceded her in death on June 30, 2000.

She was employed for 21 years in the dietary department of Community Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1987.  Gert was a member of St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, and in her retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at church and for several other local organizations.

Gert is survived by her special friends and caregivers, Nancy and Charles Scovil, as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Joe, four brothers, three sisters, and an infant sister.

Honoring Gert’s wishes, a private funeral service will be held at a future date, with burial at the Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester, MN.

Gert wished to share these thoughts from her daily devotions, “For believers in Christ, death is not an end, but a beginning.  It means leaving this old world behind and getting to a better place, completing the purpose for which we were made.  It is a time for joy and excitement, because those who fear God, need not fear death.”

Memorials may be directed to St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hope Lutheran High School, or to Restored Blessings.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Gert’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.