Gertrude Leger

Gertrude M. Leger, age 93, of Ortonville, MN, died on December 31, 2019, at Fairway View Neighborhoods.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 6, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 5, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville and one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Monday. Father Brian Oestreich will officiate, and inurnment will be in Mound Cemetery.

Gertrude Marian (Wenner) Leger was born on March 31, 1926, in Royalton, MN, to Leo and Gladys (Reinhardt) Wenner. She graduated from Royalton High School. She then moved to Elk River, MN, and began work as a telephone operator. She married Russell Leger on July 14, 1947, and together they resided in Elk River until 1951. In 1951, they moved to Ortonville, MN, where they owned and operated Hilltop, the service station with Theatre of Seasons Café. While raising her six children, she supported her children’s activities from athletics, hunting, dance classes, to Girl Scouts and more. As her children grew older, she began volunteer work in the kitchen at Ortonville Senior Center and also as a hairdresser at Northridge Nursing Home.

Gert was always very active walking outdoors. She would help clean up ditches along her way. She enjoyed riding her bicycle out to Hilltop and would treat herself to a delicious caramel roll. Gert and Russ were avid campers. They loved camping so much that they would even stay in their camper in the backyard during the winter. They were well known for their huge campfires, and would enjoy a fire despite the weather. Gert enjoyed making maple syrup, from the tapping of the trees to cooking the sap into syrup. She was adventurous enough to process fresh horseradish.

Gert was generous with her endless quilting, arts, and crafts, gifting them to others. She also enjoyed making homemade rugs. She never turned down a trip to the Dairy Queen and could spot a rummage sale sign from a mile away. Gert was always up for a game of cards. She loved animals and had a special place in her heart for her loyal canine companion, Buffy.

Gert and Russ had a warm and welcoming home. They would welcome all of their children’s friends. Friends would gather before and after sports games and school activities. Gert always made her guests feel welcome and important.

Gertrude is survived by her children: Linda Leger of Albertville, MN; Tom (Anita) Leger of Montevideo, MN; Doug (Dawn) Leger of Ortonville, MN; Michelle Wester of Elk River, MN; Jim (Annette) Leger of Andover, MN; and Dave (Terri) Leger of Lillian, AL; ten grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; brothers: Robert (Dione) Wenner of Little Falls, MN; Jim Wenner of Waite Park, MN; Leo (Joan) Wenner of Royalton, MN; and Donald (Florence) Wenner of Baxter, MN; sisters: Marie (Louis) Brown of Big Stone City, SD; and Frances (Ron) Graham of Roseville, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Leo and Gladys Wenner; husband, Russell; brothers: David, Philip, and Norbert; and sisters: Evelyn Pendergast and Ruth Wenner.