Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Schlernitzauer, Gertrude Pauline 2007
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Marilyn Ransom mlnransom@chartermi.net September 3, 2010, 2:38 pm

The Ionia Sentinel-Standard, November 29, 2007


Gertrude (Trude) Pauline Schlernitzauer November 30, 1920 - November 25, 2007. 
Trude Schlernitzauer nee Siltala , age 86, was born on November 30, 1920. She 
was known as Trude, Momma, or simply Grandma to those who loved her. Trude was 
born in the upper peninsula of Michigan in Negaunee to Victor and Matilda 
Siltala. In 1943, she married her beloved husband, Richard F. Schlernitzauer, 
and cherished him throughout their nearly fifty years of marriage. Together, 
they owned and managed the Frank's 5¢ to $1 Store in Lowell, MI until retiring 
in 1975. At that time, they moved to their cabin in the sanctuary of the Au 
Sable River, Grayling, Michigan. In 1945, 

Trude's father-in-law, first introduced her to the art of target shooting. Due 
to her Finnish heritage of determination and tenacity, Trude excelled. She 
became the first civilian woman to represent the United States at the 38th 
World Pistol Championships held in Cairo, Egypt in 1962 where she won a bronze 
medal. Her medal is on display at the National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, 
Virginia. At that time, Trude was one of only two women to hold the 
International Distinguished Gold Badge for Pistol in the United States. In 
addition, Trude was the National Women's Pistol Champion in 1965, 1968 and 
1969. In recognition of these accomplishments, she appeared on the popular TV 
show "To Tell The Truth" in New York City. 

She and Dick lovingly raised three children. Her children and grandchildren 
held a special place in her heart, and she greatly enjoyed just spending time 
with all of them. Trude was an honest, faithful, and kind person who never had 
a bad thing to say about anyone. She always tried to do the right thing; and 
her example of quiet faith, humbleness, generosity, and forgiveness is an 
inspiration to her family and friends. Although she is now no longer with us, 
her legacy of love will bless many generations to come. 

In addition to her parents, Trude was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, 
and brother, Willis Siltala. Trude is survived by her three children, Jo Ann 
Mike Bousquet, Veronica Lee Roger Odell and Dan William Debby Schlernitzauer; 
five grandchildren, Megan Odell, Ryan Odell, Angela Schlernitzauer and Joe 
Kerr, Jordan Ann Small, and Dana Schlernitzauer and Terry Hendren; and five 
great-grandchildren including a set of twins, Jacob Kerr, Aaron Kerr and Eden 
Kerr, Terra Hendren, Lydia Hendren. 

The family wishes to extend our appreciation to Laurels of Kent for their care 
during Trude's final years. A Memorial Service will be held January 12, 2008, 
11:00 a.m., at the Vergennes United Methodist Church, Vergennes Township, 
Lowell, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name 
to the USA Shooting Team, 1 Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909. 
Roth-Gerst Funeral Home.



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