Gertrude "Gertie" Marie Draayer

Gertrude "Gertie" M. Draayer, age 73, of Rochester, Minnesota, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly Thursday, November 23, 2023, at Edenbrook in Rochester, Minnesota. Gertrude Marie was born on September 5, 1950, in Austin, Minnesota, to Bert and Jessie (Henderson) Draayer. She was baptized at Church of Christ in Pleasant Grove, MN. Gertie graduated from Stewartville High School with the class of 1969. She lived the majority of her life in Austin and was a nanny for three families over the span of many years. The relationships she formed with the children she nannied were so important to her that Gertie kept in contact with many of the kids throughout the years. Gertie was such a thoughtful and caring person; she always remembered birthdays and special events, and often inquired about the wellbeing of friends and family. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, baking cookies for family, listening to country music, watching Minnesota Vikings football, and collecting Santa Bears. Gertie loved spending time with her nieces and nephews, and had a soft spot for animals, most recently her beloved cat, Cupcake. She also loved decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas, and she hosted the family Christmas gathering for many years. Gertie, her generous nature, and kind, caring disposition will be deeply missed.

Gertie is survived by her siblings, Susan Tabor, Carolyn Pieper, David (Pam) Draayer, Barbara McCollar, and Betty Boysen; sisters-in-law Marvel Beiser, Pat Draayer, Beverly Diercks, and Darlene Casterton; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and unofficially adopted daughter, Cora McCune. Gertie was preceded in death by parents, Bert and Jessie; infant brother, Donald Draayer; brothers, John (Arlene and Doris) Draayer, Henry Draayer, Robert Draayer, Wilbur Draayer, James (Shirley) Draayer, and Raymond Draayer; sister, Evelyn (Gerrit) Ravenhorst; and brothers-in-law, Bruce Tabor, Vincent Pieper, Donald McCollar, and Leonard Boysen.