Gertrude Collett, Iola, WI (formerly of Amherst Jct., WI) age 82 – passed away on Monday, August 18, 2014 at Iola Living Assistance in Iola, WI.
She was born on September 13, 1931 in Columbus, WI, the daughter of Arthur and Meta (Reinhardt) Lange. Gertrude married three times. Her first marriage was to William R. Reek. She then married Walter Rustad. Her last marriage was to Virgil Collett. She was preceded in death by her husbands. Gertrude is survived by her children: Caroline (Curt) Swenson of Burr Ridge, IL; Sid Reek of Yuma, AZ; Susan (Philip) Wemmer of Scandinavia, Joann Rose of Stevens Point, Dori (Del) Dawley of Tucson, AZ, Karen (Jeff) Wolfe of West Bend, Alan (Sharon) Rustad of Iola, Dale (Chris Baugniet) Rustad of De Pere, and Gary (Kathleen) Rustad of Blaine, MN. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brother, Howard (Edna) Lange of Columbus, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her three husbands; her son, LeRoy Rustad; her daughter, Janice Rustad, her son-in-law, Jim Aller, and two brothers. In addition to raising her 11 children and working on the family farm, Gertrude had been a cook in the coffee shop at St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point, and also at the South Point Restaurant in Stevens Point. She and Mr. Collett owned and operated Collett’s Greenhouse in Amherst Jct. for many years.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Jungers – Holly Funeral Home in Amherst, WI on Monday, August 25, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dwight Anderson officiating. The Jungers – Holly Funeral Home of Amherst, WI assisted the family with arrangements.