Racine – Gertrude M. Klinkhammer,Age 87, passed away at the Lincoln Village Convalescent Center on Saturday, December 11, 2010. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 8, 1923, daughter of the late John and Theresa Wield. Gertrude was married in Chicago at St. Theresa Catholic Church to Alfred J. Klinkhammer on February 7, 1944. The majority of her life after marriage, she resided in Racine.

Gertrude was a loving wife and mother and took great joy in caring for her home and family. She and her husband served as caretakers of the Windpoint Lighthouse for nearly 20 years. Gertrude enjoyed traveling, especially her trips to Hawaii, Europe, and Texas. As a young woman she was employed working during World War II as a "Rosie the Riveter", while her husband served in the Navy. She was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Gertrude will be remembered as a gentle loving mother by her children.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Carol Bilky of Ellenton, Florida, Linda and Ronald Beguhn, Jr. of Kenosha, Debbie and Tim Riopelle of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Jon (Stacey Petersen) Henningfeld of Kenosha, Stephanie (Scott) Warner of Racine, Karen (Nigel) Crowe of Palmetto, Florida, Janice Wierschke (Jeff) of Sheboygan Falls, Donna Wilson(Tim) of Cedar, Michigan, Paul Bilky of Pembine, Ed Bilky, Jr. of Yuma, Arizona; great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Kerri Warner, Danny Henningfeld, Ayden Crowe, many step Grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce (Paul) Emmons, Tom (Arlene) Klinkhammer, Flo Klinkhammer, Betty (Stan) Wielgat all of Racine; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; her daughter, Janice; sisters, Helen, Anna , June, Theresa , and Bertha, and her brother, Sonny Wield; brother-in-law, Norb Klinkhammer; and sons-in-law, Ed Bilky, and Richard Henningfeld.

The funeral mass for Gertrude, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church with Rev. William Dietzler officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m., and Wednesday in the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. Memorials to Lincoln Lutheran Convalescent Center have been suggested.

The family would like to offer their appreciation to the Staff of Lincoln Village, as well as Seasons Hospice for the special care they showed for their mother.