Trudy A. Ertmann

Trudy Arlene Ertmann, 76, Devils Lake, ND, died January 14^th, 2023 at Eventide in Devils Lake, ND. Trudy Arlene Halldorson was born on March 6, 1946, in Devils Lake, ND to Alfred and Arlowene (Estenson) Halldorson. She graduated from Crary High School in 1964 and went on to study at Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND. Trudy started her career as the secretary for the President of Mayville State College and then as the secretary to the principal at the ND School for the Deaf. On April 28^th, 1967, Trudy was united in marriage to her middle school sweetheart and lifelong “partner in crime”, Gary Ertmann. They made their home in Devils Lake and had two children: Tina and Cheri. Trudy was approached by the newly established Retired Senior Volunteer Program’s Director in 1972 to be the secretary for the program. When the director left the position, Trudy became the director, a position she retained for over 30 years, until retiring in 2011.

Trudy lived a life of service and was involved in establishing and supporting many programs in her community over the years. She was with the original board of directors and was the first child care provider for the After School Child Care Program in Devils Lake and continued to serve on the board and managed the financial services for that program, until it transferred to the Devils Lake Public School. Trudy was instrumental in starting the Amachi Mentoring Program in Devils Lake, which has continued to serve youth with incarcerated parents and at-risk youth in the community. Some of the other programs she enjoyed serving with were the United Way/Lake Region Community Fund, Dakota Prairies Resource Conservation and Development, IRS VITA Volunteer, and the Governor’s Council on Aging. Trudy was also a Tax Aide Site Coordinator for AARP where she volunteered with her husband on the Education and Outreach Team. Trudy and Gary were also Friends of White Horse Hill for many years.

Trudy and Gary were active members of the Christ Free Lutheran Church and always kept God at the center of their lives. Trudy shared her father’s love of music and often sang in church choirs and weddings, and taught herself to play the piano. She will be remembered for her silly sense of humor and the deep love that she had for those who were close to her.

While Trudy was passionate about her community, her family was closest to her heart. She enjoyed every opportunity for a celebration, making elaborate birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and anniversary cakes to celebrate the ones she loved. She and Gary were always present to cheer on and celebrate their children and eventually, their grandchildren, at sporting events, theater productions, dance recitals, weddings, graduations, and birthdays. Trudy loved traveling and having fun with her family, ensuring that her husband, children, and grandchildren had enough love and memories to last all of their lifetimes.

Trudy will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Gary; daughters, Tina (Donny) Heisler, Audubon MN and Cheri (Fred Leonard ) Rice, Columbia MD; grandchildren, Alycia (Evan Balko) Heisler, Moorhead MN and Sydney Heisler, Minneapolis MN; mother, Arlie Halldorson, Enderlin ND; brothers, Ricky (Karla) Halldorson and Allen Halldorson also of Enderlin; sisters-in-law, Karla Ertmann and Karen Ertmann both of Fargo ND; Aunt Dolores Stenseth, Devils Lake; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Trudy was preceded in death and will be welcomed in heaven by her father, Alfred Halldorson; mother-in-law, Margaret Ertmann; father-in-law, Karl Ertmann; sister-in-law Elaine Halldorson; brother-in-law, Victor Ertmann; sister-in-law, Marjorie Wallander; brother-in-law, David Ertmann; and brother-in-law, Charles Ertmann.

Gathering of family and friends will be on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake ND. Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Free Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Gary Fulsebakke officiating.        

Memorials may be directed to the Parkinson's Foundation in memory of Trudy.