Seventh Generation

60. Gertrude "Gert" DUANE was born on 25 September 1917 in Wilton, Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI.³⁴ She appeared in the census in 1920 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI.²⁷ She died on 6 August 2005 at the age of 87 in Elroy, Plymouth Township, Juneau County, WI.³⁴

Obituary Notes: "Gertrude (Gert) Genske, 87, of Wilton, died Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005, at Heritage Manor in Elroy. She was born Sept. 25, 1917, to John and Francis (Kuderer) Duane in Wilton. She was united in marriage to Bernhart (Barney) Johnson on Nov. 29, 1941, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wilton. He preceded her in death Jan. 1, 1956. Gertrude entered into marriage a second time to Randolph Genske on June 29, 1974, at Fort Meade Army Chapel in Maryland. Randolph passed away on Aug. 10, 1993.

Gertrude graduated from Juneau County Teachers College in New Lisbon and completed her degree at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. She taught at the elementary level for over 40 years. She began teaching at the Dorset Valley one room school and retired from Ontario Elementary in 1979. She took great pride in her work and her students. Gertrude was especially proud of being selected to be the Parade Marshal of Brookwood High School's homecoming parade in 2000. When she was not teaching, Gertrude worked as a telephone operator at both Wilton and Fort McCoy. During her retirement she most enjoyed playing cards with numerous friends and volunteering herself to civic and religious activities. She also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Although well traveled, her true love was family, community, American Legion, church and the Packers. She valued education, friendship and giving to others.

She is survived by two sons and a daughter, Bernard (Mary) Johnson of Janesville, Patti (James) Corr of San Antonio, Texas, and Mark (Shirley) Johnson of San Luis Obispo, California; six grandchildren, Ann (Scott) Brady, James Patrick (Lee) Corr and Joseph (Stephanie) Corr and Farrell, Mark Jr., and Craig Johnson; seven great-grandchildren, Meghan, Mollie and Mark Brady, Brandon and Alex Corr and Joshua and Alisa Corr. She is also survived by her nephews, Duane (Joy) Evans of Wilton and Bernard Klein of Janesville. Gertrude will be fondly remembered and missed by numerous friends, neighbors, former students and fellow teachers. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary "Mae" Klein, and a niece, Mary Louise Klein.

The family of Gertrude would like to extend sincere thanks to the Heritage Manor in Elroy for their excellent care and professionalism in caring for her in the twilight years of her life.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Wilton. The Rev. Brian D. Konopa officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery. Relatives and friends called at the church on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home of Wilton assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a scholarship fund in memory of Gertrude Genske."

Gertrude "Gert" DUANE and Bernhart "Barney" JOHNSON were married on 29 November 1941 in Wilton, Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI.³⁴ Bernhart "Barney" JOHNSON died on 1 January 1956.²⁸

Gertrude "Gert" DUANE and Randolph GENSKE were married on 29 June 1974 in Fort Meade, MD.³⁴ Randolph GENSKE died on 10 August 1993.²⁸