Gertrude L. 'Trudy' Brouwer, 95, Sanborn

A funeral service in memory of Gertrude L. “Trudy” Brouwer was held Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at First Reformed Church in Sanborn. Pastor Paul Van Maaren officiated.

Pallbearers were Amanda Bullmann, Kyle Doody, Ethan Brouwer, Jenny Allen, Sarah Coleman and Garret Coleman. Interment was in East Lawn Cemetery at Sheldon. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Gertrude Louise “Trudy” Brouwer was born May 14, 1929 in Middleburg, one of three children of Bouka “Bert” and Jennie (Vermeer) Bosma. She spent her youth around Middleburg and Sheldon, receiving her early education through the country school system near Middleburg. She completed her last four years in Sheldon, graduating from Sheldon High School in 1945.

Following graduation, Trudy furthered her education by taking secretarial courses offered in Sheldon. She was able to utilize her skills while working at Hastings Photography Studio and at IPS, both in Sheldon.

In the company of family and friends, Trudy became the bride of Edwin Willis Brouwer on Jan. 24, 1951, at the First Reformed Church in Sheldon. Once Edwin finished Marine basic training, the new couple resided in Oceanside, Calif. during Edwin’s tour of duty. After his honorable discharge, Edwin and Trudy returned home and began farming together near Primghar and Hartley. During this time, Cindy and Greg were added to the family. They relocated to their farm near Sanborn in 1958, calling it “home” for the bulk of their married life.

Not one to sit idle, Trudy was first employed as a night shift switchboard operator and then worked as a clerk for Sanborn Utilities. After their youngest son Scott was born, Trudy became secretary for the First Reformed Church in Sanborn, a position she enjoyed for many years. Holding down a job, keeping her home in order and raising three children didn’t leave much room for anything else in a day, but somehow she managed to find time for one of her favorite things – music! Trudy thoroughly enjoyed sharing her vocal talent with local groups such as the Santones, Sweet Adelines and CBS Trio.

She also found painting and making porcelain dolls a relaxing endeavor along with numerous other art and craft projects for various church and civic functions. She was a member of the Gideons International and First Reformed Church in Sanborn. She and Edwin moved to the town of Sanborn in 2011, continuing to spend cold winters in the Arizona sunshine.

Trudy passed from this life on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the age of 95. She is once again reunited with loved ones who had gone before: her parents; her husband, Edwin Brouwer; son, Greg Brouwer; granddaughter, Miranda; siblings: Johanna Slothauber and Marvin Bosma.

Keeping her memory close in heart are her children: Cindy (Dave) Massie, of Payson, Ariz., and Scott (Janet) Brouwer, of Sac City; daughter-in-law, Gladys Brouwer, of Tea, S.D.; four grandchildren: Amanda Bullmann (Kyle Doody), of Las Cruces, N.M., Ethan Brouwer, of Tea, S.D., Jennifer Allen of Newell, and Sarah (Garret) Coleman, of Cedar Falls; Massie grandchildren and great-grandchildren; other relatives and many dear friends.