Obituary of Gertrude Kathmann

Gertrude Kathmann passed away October 6, 2020 at home, with loving family by her side at the remarkable age of 101.

She was born February 26, 1919 in Munster-lager, Germany to Julius and Emma (Bokelmann) Koening.  At the age of 11 she and her family came to America.  She quickly overcame the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture.  In her early years, she worked as a seamstress in a factory across from the Empire State Building.

Gertrude married William Kathmann Sr. on February 26, 1938 in Greenville, NY, and began 61 loving  years together.  She and Bill moved to Elk Creek Road where they had two wonderful children, Margo (Kathmann) Burrows and William Kathmann Jr.  While living there she worked alongside her husband and children harvesting cauliflower and spinach that Bill Sr. then trucked to New York City to sell.

When not working in the fields, Gertrude enjoyed sewing, baking, and gardening.  Over the years she fashioned numerous dresses for her grandchildren's proms and weddings.  She also loved needlework, and created many crocheted and needlepoint items for the family.  Family members looked forward to her butter kuchen and coconut cream cake at birthdays and holidays.  She loved the outdoors, and her flower and vegetable gardens were a testimony to that.

She was a very active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, of which she and Bill Sr. were founding members.  She served the congregation as a Ladies' Aide and as a Sunday School teacher.

In 1985 Gertrude and Bill Sr. moved to Ridge Manor, Florida, where they enjoyed their retirement years.  They resided there for 17 years.  She moved back to Delhi in 2002, after Bill Sr. passed away.  She lived with her daughter, Margo Burrows, on Prospect Street, where one could always find grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren visiting.

Gertrude will be lovingly remembered for being so hard working, loving her family, and being such an inspiration to them.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Hall and Peet Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 13 from 12:00 - 1:30.  Family will not be in attendance.  Funeral services will be private.

 Gertrude asked that instead of flowers, donations be made to Helios Care (Hospice) of Oneonta as a thank you for the amazing care they provided, or to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Please visit www.hallandpeet.com to share a condolence with the Kathmann Family.