Gertrude Lydia Fuhrmann Bratz

Trudy was born November 4, 1932 in Wittenberg, WI just moments before her twin brother Gustave. Her parents were Dewey Samuel Rinehart Fuhrmann and Lydia Bertha (Yeager) Fuhrmann.

Trudy attended Wittenberg High School. As a Freshman she met David Bratz, a Senior. They both served on the board of Walther League where David was the President, brother Gus the Vice President, with Trudy serving as Secretary.

Trudy married David Bratz on September 10, 1950 at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Wittenberg, WI by Reverend Werner Motzkus. They were happily married until David’s death on December 19, 1997. They had seven children together and were great examples of fidelity, honor, respect and love in marriage.

Trudy worked at JC Penney Co. while David served in the Army overseas in Germany. She also worked at Red Owl Grocery Store before becoming a mother. She and David owned Studio Knit Shop in Milwaukee, WI from 1966 to 1971 where she taught classes in machine knitting and ran the store. They sold the store in June 1971 and moved to Seattle, WA where David had accepted a position as the National Manager of Distribution for Studio Products, Inc. After raising her family, Trudy worked in management at Hancock Fabrics in West Seattle, retiring from that position in August of 1988.

Trudy was an accomplished knitter, both by machine and by hand. She also loved to crochet, sew, quilt, do needlepoint/embroidery, and upholster furniture. She made an enormous hand braided wool rug that resided under the family dining table. Trudy worked weekly with other women at her church making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. She was a member of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Trudy loved the Lord with all her heart and was a scholar of his Word. It was of utmost importance to her to share her faith with her family and with whomever she encountered.

Remaining to cherish Trudy’s memory are her children: Arlin Bratz and his wife Tami, Brian Bratz, Bruce Bratz and his wife Sue, Michael Bratz, Kathy Newby and her husband Craig, David Bratz Jr. and his wife Tai. Her grandchildren: Sarah Urban, Laura Bratz, Shayne Bratz, Chantel Erickson, Joe Bratz, Evan Bratz, Nathan Bratz, Glen Bratz, Makayla Bratz, Carly Smith, Ben Newby and Nicole Verkruyse. Great grand children: James Urban, Grace Urban, Alexander Bratz, Everett Bratz, McKinley Bratz, Piper Bratz, Crosby Bratz, Simon Bratz, Evelyn Bratz, Logan Smith, Lane Smith, Mallory Verkruyse, Evelyn Verkruyse, and Magnolia Newby. Her sister: Cindy Meverden.

Preceding Trudy in death are her husband David Bratz Sr., daughter Rebecca Krause, parents Lydia and Dewey Fuhrmann, siblings Gustave Fuhrmann and Carol Schumann.

Memorial donations can be made to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.

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The private family graveside service for Gertrude will be held Monday, June 30, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Riverton Crest Cemetery, 3400 S. 140th St, Tukwila, Washington followed by the memorial service on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 1:00pm at Lutheran Church of The Cross, 23810 112th Ave. SE, Kent, WA. 98031.