Gertrude Bertha Bartsch, 96, of Owatonna, died Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Koda Living Community. She was born October 6, 1921 in Faribault the daughter of Gerhardt and Bertha (Sorgatz) Velzke. Gertrude attended school at Trinity Lutheran North Morristown School. She married Edward Bartsch May 20, 1944 at St. John's Lutheran Church near Claremont where they were active members for many years. The couple farmed and lived near Claremont until moving to Owatonna in 1958. Edward preceded Gertrude in death in 1959. Gertrude worked at St. Mary's School in Faribault and Woolworth's in Owatonna prior to her career of over 30 years with EF Johnson Co in Waseca. Gertrude joined Redeemer Lutheran Church in the mid 1970's and later joined Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for many years. Gertrude enjoyed baking, sewing and gardening. She was known to collect any recipe that caught her eye. Gertrude loved taking care of her grandchildren. She is survived by daughter, Lorie (and Bill) Thompson of Owatonna; grandchildren, Gregory (and Andrea) Thompson of Shakopee, Katherine (and Lance) Hendrickson of Owatonna; great granddaughter, Abigail Thompson; sister, Regina (and Orville) Bartsch of Owatonna; brother, Philip (and Delores) Velzke of Owatonna and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; son, Lynn Bartsch. Visitation will be at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Wednesday from 9:30am to 10:30am. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 10:30am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with The Reverend Greg Schlicker officiating. Interment will be in the St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery in Havana Township. Memorials are preferred to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or to the donor's choice. Visitation: 07/18/2018 09:30 07/18/2018 10:30 Service: 07/18/2018 10:30