Gertrude Wilhelmine Kohn

Gertrude Wilhelmine Kohn, 100, of Browning Masonic Community, in Waterville, OH, died November 16, 2015, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo. She was born on June 7, 1915, to Gustav Fredrich and Clara (Koch) Fredrich, and was a lifelong resident of the Toledo area. She graduated from Clay High School, class of 1932, where she was active in musical and drama activities. She attended Bowling Green State Normal College (Bowling Green State University from 1935) and received an associate degree and teaching certificate in the Department of Education in 1934. At Bowling Green State, she was a member of the sorority Los Amigos and served as its president. After graduation she became a school teacher at Clay Elementary School. She taught until she was married in 1938 because at that time it was a common policy in school systems that married women could not hold fulltime teaching positions. Gertrude married Ronald Frank Kohn on June 18, 1938, in First St. Mark's Lutheran Church where they were both active members until 1948, at which time they moved to South Toledo and became lifelong members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. There, Gertrude was active in several women's organizations and in the children's Sunday School program. Gertrude and Ron enjoyed traveling to visit family, to regional and national antique clock collector conventions, numerous trips to New England and a trip to Europe. She enjoyed music, particularly playing the piano. At the Browning Masonic Community, she was known as the "Piano Lady." At her 100th birthday party, she entertained family and friends with a recital of her favorite tunes from the past. She enjoyed playing bridge, and for over 60 years she regularly played with her sister Grace and several friends from college. Her blueberry pies at holiday dinners were much enjoyed by all members of her family and now are baked by 3 generations of family. She leaves her family with many lasting and fond memories. She was preceded in death by Ronald in 2005 after 67 years of marriage, and by her sister, Grace Hinesman. Surviving are her son, Dennis (Judy) of Georges Mills, NH; daughter, Linda (Carl) Ruetz of Whitehouse, OH; grandchildren, Denise (Robert) Shelton, Scott (Leslie) Kohn, Douglas (Lindi) Kohn, Andrew (Holly) Ruetz, Betsy (Kris) Shultz, and Katherine (Brian) Ripple; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Kohn, Nicole Kohn, Thomas Shelton, Madeleine Kohn, Lucas Ruetz and Evelyn Ruetz. Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 20 in The Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Avenue. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, preceded by visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Glendale at River Road. Interment will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park after which there will be a lunch at Holy Trinity. Reverend James Wicker will officiate at the service. The family suggests memorials to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Browning Masonic Community, Special Commission on Relief & Education, Maumee or to a charity of the donor's choice . Gertrude's family thanks Dr. Richard Paat, her physician for many years, and the very caring staff at the Browning Masonic Community, her home for the past 6 years. The family also thanks the staff of Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo for providing comfort and peace to Gertrude. walterfuneralhome.com