Obituary of Gertrude Christeler

Gertrude "Trudy" Christeler, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024 surrounded by her loving family shortly after her 100th birthday. She was born on August 7, 1924 near St. Gallen, Switzerland to Emil and Mina (Willi) Enz. She was the second of six daughters.

Trudy was shaped by her upbringing during the Depression, though she said she never felt poor. A close-knit family provided her with a stable and loving foundation for her life. At age 15 , she left her home in Copenhagen, Denamark to complete a program designed to train young women in household management. Upon returning to Switzerland, she pursued an apprenticeship in landscape design.

In 1950, curiosity and a sense of adventure led her to emigrate to Clinton, New York, where she resided with her Godmother, Katherina Haltiner. It was there that she met Hans Christeler, who had also immigrated to Deansboro as a young boy from Switzerland.

Working as an au pair for a family with 7 children, Trudy was able to sharpen her language skills. In 1952, she and Hans journeyed back to Switzerland to be married and then returned to Clinton to raise their family. Together they raised five children of their own while supplying a safe refuge for many foster children. Trudy was truly a wonderful mother.

When her children were grown, Trudy offered her services as a homecare companion to elderly people. Her passions were knitting, gardening, cooking, and baking. She crafted amazing pies and her specialty, a braided Swiss bread called "Eier Zopf". She loved camping and in 1978 traveled across the US in a Trillium camper pulled by a VW Rabbit. A trip home to Switzerland to visit her sisters and take care of her parents was always a highlight.

Family members and many friends were given hand knit mittens, hats, and "Trudy Booties". She also knitted blankets for the Linus Project. For years she knit hats for the children in Headstart and her daughter's literacy classes. One year 45 hats were needed, she met the challenge willingly.

She loved spending time playing a few games of Parcheesi with her family, aka Eile mit Weile in Swiss German. She was a champion to the end.

Trudy was an active member of the Stone Presbyterian Church  for 70 years, serving in many capacities. She belonged to an ecumenical Bible study that met for decades.

Hans predeceased Trudy in 2002 on the day of their 50th wedding anniversary. He had set a goal for himself to make it to that milestone.

Trudy is survived by her 5 children, Hans Peter (Michele) Christeler of Clinton, Barbara (Christopher) Kolarz, of Syracuse, Christine Yox, of Clinton, Mark (Barbara) Christeler, of Charlotte, NC, and Jeffrey Christeler, of Remsen; nine grandchildren, Kristen, Crystal, Kathryn, Rachel, Kendal, Hans Peter, Jillian, Forest and Erica; six great granchildren, Lillian, Allison, Evelyn, Ryan, Bennett, and James; two surviving sisters in Switzerland, along with many cousisn, nieces and nephews.

The family is filled with loving grattitude for the excellent care provided by Michele and Hans in their home for the past four years. We would also like to thank Hospice for their guidance during her last days.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Stone Presbyterian Church, South Park Row, Clinton. Friends are invited join the family after for refreshments at the church. There will be no public calling hours. Internment will take place in Crown Hill Memorial park at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Trudy's name to Hospice and Palliative care of New Hartford, The Stone Presbyterian Church, or The House of the Good Shepherd.

Arrangements entrusted to Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Clinton, NY.

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