1926
Gertrude
2023
Gertrude Josephine Gaffney
June 10, 1926 — December 14, 2023
Kimberly
On the 14th of December, 2023, Gertrude Josephine Gaffney (née Grishaber) passed away in her home at the age of 97. One of 14 children, she was born on June 10th in 1926 to Conrad and Theresa (Forster) Grishaber.
Gertrude cherished her childhood growing up in Appleton's 4th ward with her numerous siblings (especially her sister, Tudy) and friends including Dorothy and Snookie with whom she remained forever close. She shared with us many memories of her time working alongside her sister Mary in her parent's beloved store and gas station “Grishabers”.
Nicholas Cecil Gaffney swept Gertrude off her feet, and they were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Church in Appleton on June 15th, 1949. They settled in Kimberly where they had six children to whom she dedicated her life. Her children meant the world to her, and she was so very proud of each of their accomplishments. Her generous love, care and support extended to her many grandchildren who loved spending time with her at her house, which was filled with the smells of pies, cookies or perhaps her famous chicken noodle soup. Her many recipes will surely live on, even if the preparation may just be, “Almost as good as Grandma’s “.
In addition to cooking for her family, she enjoyed tending to her garden which she filled with vegetables, especially tomatoes, and so many lovely flowers. Like her flowers, she was beautiful and will be missed by all those who were fortunate to have had her in their lives.
Gertrude is survived by her 6 children: Ginny (Allan) Janssen of Harrison, WI, Stephen (Kater) Gaffney of Combined Locks, WI, Elizabeth Gaffney of Unionville, Ontario, Canada, Nicholas J. (Christine) Gaffney of Appleton, WI, Teresa (Ted) Dictus of Appleton, WI, Julie Gaffney (Ben Birkett) of Madison, WI.
12 grandchildren: Amy Janssen, Rebecca Dobbe, Heather Stumpf, Dana (Joe) Prodoehl , Jason (Shannon) Gaffney, Rochelle (Tim) Loch, Michaela Gaffney, Brianna Gaffney (Tony Heuer) , Ben (Cassie) Dictus, Matt Dictus, Melissa Birkett (Chris Nicholls), Amber (Peter) DiLalla.
21 great grandchildren: Abella and Brielle Dobbe, Taylor, Lydia, Audrina and Delani Stumpf, Alyssa, Mackenzie and Mason Prodoehl , Alexis and Brady Gaffney, Reina, Georgia and Nicholas Loch, Aleck and Mitch Dictus, Henry (Hank) Dictus, Marjorie and Theodore Nicholls, Nicolas and Louis DiLalla.
sister Virginia Grishaber and brother Tom Grishaber.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas Gaffney, sisters: Mary (John) Michalkiewicz, Louise "Tudy" (Ben) Davidson, Margaret (Jerome) Wellhouse, Elizabeth “Bette” (Jack) Wingrove, brothers: Leo (Dorothy) Arnold (Margaret), Paul (Loretta), Robert, Daniel, Harold (Betty) and Richard (Gertie) Grishaber, her husband’s brothers: James (Mary), John (Helen), Cletus (LaVila), Del, Jerome (Bernadette), Gaffney, her husband's sisters: Althea (Harold) Acker, Kathleen (Larry) Walburn, Marjorie (Harold) Corey, Marcella Smith.
The family would like to thank the Theda Clark Hospice program for their outstanding and compassionate care.
In keeping with Gertrude's wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Wichmann Funeral Homes of Appleton, www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com is serving the family.
Gertrude cherished her childhood growing up in Appleton's 4th ward with her numerous siblings (especially her sister, Tudy) and friends including Dorothy and Snookie with whom she remained forever close. She shared with us many memories of her time working alongside her sister Mary in her parent's beloved store and gas station “Grishabers”.
Nicholas Cecil Gaffney swept Gertrude off her feet, and they were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Church in Appleton on June 15th, 1949. They settled in Kimberly where they had six children to whom she dedicated her life. Her children meant the world to her, and she was so very proud of each of their accomplishments. Her generous love, care and support extended to her many grandchildren who loved spending time with her at her house, which was filled with the smells of pies, cookies or perhaps her famous chicken noodle soup. Her many recipes will surely live on, even if the preparation may just be, “Almost as good as Grandma’s “.
In addition to cooking for her family, she enjoyed tending to her garden which she filled with vegetables, especially tomatoes, and so many lovely flowers. Like her flowers, she was beautiful and will be missed by all those who were fortunate to have had her in their lives.
Gertrude is survived by her 6 children: Ginny (Allan) Janssen of Harrison, WI, Stephen (Kater) Gaffney of Combined Locks, WI, Elizabeth Gaffney of Unionville, Ontario, Canada, Nicholas J. (Christine) Gaffney of Appleton, WI, Teresa (Ted) Dictus of Appleton, WI, Julie Gaffney (Ben Birkett) of Madison, WI.
12 grandchildren: Amy Janssen, Rebecca Dobbe, Heather Stumpf, Dana (Joe) Prodoehl , Jason (Shannon) Gaffney, Rochelle (Tim) Loch, Michaela Gaffney, Brianna Gaffney (Tony Heuer) , Ben (Cassie) Dictus, Matt Dictus, Melissa Birkett (Chris Nicholls), Amber (Peter) DiLalla.
21 great grandchildren: Abella and Brielle Dobbe, Taylor, Lydia, Audrina and Delani Stumpf, Alyssa, Mackenzie and Mason Prodoehl , Alexis and Brady Gaffney, Reina, Georgia and Nicholas Loch, Aleck and Mitch Dictus, Henry (Hank) Dictus, Marjorie and Theodore Nicholls, Nicolas and Louis DiLalla.
sister Virginia Grishaber and brother Tom Grishaber.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas Gaffney, sisters: Mary (John) Michalkiewicz, Louise "Tudy" (Ben) Davidson, Margaret (Jerome) Wellhouse, Elizabeth “Bette” (Jack) Wingrove, brothers: Leo (Dorothy) Arnold (Margaret), Paul (Loretta), Robert, Daniel, Harold (Betty) and Richard (Gertie) Grishaber, her husband’s brothers: James (Mary), John (Helen), Cletus (LaVila), Del, Jerome (Bernadette), Gaffney, her husband's sisters: Althea (Harold) Acker, Kathleen (Larry) Walburn, Marjorie (Harold) Corey, Marcella Smith.
The family would like to thank the Theda Clark Hospice program for their outstanding and compassionate care.
In keeping with Gertrude's wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Wichmann Funeral Homes of Appleton, www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com is serving the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gertrude Josephine Gaffney, please visit our flower store.
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