Gertrude "Gertie" Bodnar

Service Details

February 17, 2018

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home

• Public Visitation – 12:00 pm
• Memorial Service – 2:00 pm

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Brookside Care Center Sunshine Fund

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Kenosha – Gertrude Frances Bodnar, 94 passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at Brookside Care Center.

Born in Elk Creek, Wisconsin on November 24, 1923 she was the daughter of the late Frances (nee: Sluga) and John Manka. After graduation from High School in Independence Wisconsin, “Gertie” moved to Kenosha where she lived and worked until meeting her husband Frank Bodnar.

During WWII Gertrude worked in several local factories in support of the defense effort, but she was employed at Walker Manufacturing when she met her future husband after he returned from the war. Gertie and Frank were married on October 13, 1945 and enjoyed 64 years of marriage until Franks death in 2009. After her children were raised, Gertie returned to work at Color Arts, retiring in 1986.

Gertie was a wife and mother and grandmother, first and foremost. She grew and preserved all her own fruits and vegetables, cooked all her meals from scratch and there was always cookies and cakes and bread for snacks and desert. Her home was immaculate and “Gert clean” was a measure of perfection.

Survivors include four children, Frank (Cindy) Bodnar, John (Suzanne Rosenberg) Bodnar, Frances (Gary Kruck) Petrick, and Susan (Kevin) Muntinga, grandchildren, Frank Bodnar, Lori (Mike) Peterson, Amy (Scott Wilson) Bodnar, Katie Bodnar, Danny Bodnar, Andy (Jenny) Petrick, Brian (Maura Mc Cafferty)Petrick, Michael (Shana) Muntinga , Erin (Chris) Wolf , Tommy (Sonja Rusch) Muntinga, Ryan (Maggie) Halsey, Matthew (Michelle) Halsey; 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.   Gertrude is further survived by two brothers, Ralph (Elaine) Manka and Bud Manka. Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband Frank Bodnar; grandson Jon Bodnar; brothers Adolph, Lonnie, Edward, John; and sisters Helen, Eleanore, Jean and Martha.

A celebration of her life will be held in the funeral home on Saturday February 17, 2018. Visitation begins at 12 noon followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm. Memorials to Brookside Care Center Sunshine Fund would be appreciated by the family.

The family would like to thank the Outstanding staff of Brookside Care Center for their loving care of Gertrude. Their attention, kindness and friendship will always be remembered and cherished.