Obituary of Gertrude Louise Brouwer

   Gertrude Louise “Trudy” Brouwer was born May 14, 1929, in Middleburg, Iowa, one of three children of Bouka “Bert” and Jennie (Vermeer) Bosma. She spent her youth around Middleburg and Sheldon, Iowa, receiving her early education through the country school system near Middleburg. She completed her last four years in Sheldon, graduating from Sheldon High School in 1945.

    Following graduation, Trudy furthered her education by taking secretarial courses offered in Sheldon. She was able to utilize her skills while working at Hastings Photography Studio, and again at IPS, both located in Sheldon.

    On January 24, 1951, in the company of family and friends, Trudy became the bride of Edwin Willis Brouwer at the First Reformed Church in Sheldon. Once Edwin finished Marine Basic Training, the new couple resided in Oceanside, California during Edwin’s tour of duty. After his honorable discharge, Edwin and Trudy returned home and began farming together near Primghar and Hartley, Iowa. During this time, Cindy and Greg were added to the family. In 1958, they relocated to their farm near Sanborn, Iowa, calling it “home” for the bulk of their married life.

    Not one to sit idle, Trudy was first employed as a night shift switchboard operator; then worked as a clerk for Sanborn Utilities. After their youngest son, Scott was born, Trudy became secretary for the First Reformed Church in Sanborn, a position she enjoyed for many years. Holding down a job, keeping her home in order and raising three children didn’t leave much room for anything else in a day, but somehow she managed to find time for one of her favorite things – music! Trudy thoroughly enjoyed sharing her vocal talent with local groups such as the Santones, Sweet Adelines and CBS Trio. She also found painting and making porcelain dolls a relaxing endeavor along with numerous other art and craft projects for various church and civic functions. She was a member of the Gideons International and First Reformed Church in Sanborn. In 2011, she and Edwin moved to the town of Sanborn, continuing to spend cold winters in the Arizona sunshine.

    On Sunday, July 21, 2024, Trudy passed from this life. She is once again reunited with loved ones who had gone before: her parents; her husband, Edwin Brouwer; son, Greg Brouwer; granddaughter, Miranda; siblings: Johanna Slothauber and Marvin Bosma.

    Keeping her memory close in heart are her children: Cindy (Dave) Massie of Payson, Arizona, and Scott (Janet) Brouwer of Sac City, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Gladys Brouwer of Tea, South Dakota; four grandchildren: Amanda Bullmann (Kyle Doody) of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Ethan Brouwer of Tea, South Dakota, Jennifer Allen of Newell, Iowa, and Sarah (Garret) Coleman of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Massie grandchildren and great-grandchildren; other relatives and many dear friends.