Gertrude Loraine Taft, age 90, passed away on June 14, 2023, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Gertrude was born to Edwin and Myrtle Thompson in Chetek, Wisconsin on January 31, 1933.

She attended and graduated from Chetek High School in 1950. Married her high school sweetheart John (Jack) Taft on April 7, 1951, and raised seven children.

She worked a number of years at Bill's Trading Post alongside her brother Bill and wife Laverne and other family members.

She enjoyed the Wednesday night bowling league with the neighbor ladies. She attended many of her children's and grandchildren(s) sporting events throughout the years. She loved her family.

By far her most memorable summers were spent at their cabins in Ear Falls, Ontario Canada fishing walleye, and spending time with friends from IA, NE, MN, and WI. Special Canadian friends Don & Mabel Weibe.

She and Jack hunted pheasant in South Dakota every fall for 43 years. Her real passion was deer hunting and she climbed her deer stand right up until she was 80. Then her son Jerry built her a ground stand and her last big buck was shot at 85 years old. She was interviewed by Dave Carlson and filmed a segment that aired on Weau named, "One of a Kind." She was an amazing woman and definitely lived up to that title.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Myrtle Thompson, husband, John Taft, son, Jim Taft, brother, Robert Thompson, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Gertrude is survived by her children, John R. (Carla) Taft, Kristie (Pat) O'Dowd, Jerry (Kris) Taft, Kathy Taft, Robert (Debra) Taft, and Karoline White, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and brothers, William (Laverna) Thompson, Jim Thompson, and Ken Thompson, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the Burnham-Ours Kolstad Family Funeral Home at Noon. Visitation will be held prior from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery following the service.

The Burnham-Ours Kolstad Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

Last Update: Jun 18, 2023 1:38 pm CDT