Gertrude Sophia Baran died on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea. She was 90 years old.

Gertrude was born on May 21, 1921, in Finlayson, to August and Eliese Vogt. She graduated from Finlayson High School and moved to St. Paul where she did house work. On May 16, 1942, she was united in marriage to George Baran. She lived in California with George where she worked on airplanes as a “Rosie the Riveter.” When George was sent overseas, she moved back to St. Paul. In 1949 they moved to the Baran family farm in Hinckley. Gertrude remained in Hinckley until moving to Albert Lea in 1996.

Gertrude enjoyed all kinds of needle work, she was an accomplished seamstress, loved playing Scrabble and was often found working in her garden where she especially enjoyed growing many kinds of flowers. She was never too busy to help a neighbor or family member in need. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was very active in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband, George; her sons: George Jr. and Dale; her grandson, Stephen Hughes; her parents: August and Eliese; two sisters and ten brothers.

Gertrude is survived by her daughters: Judith (Moris) Hughes of Tucson, Ariz., Jeanette (Greg) Beamer of Albert Lea, Jacqueline (John) Youngberg of Milaca and Janell Baran (Peter Kuhlman) of Newark, Ohio; sister, Bertha Saloka, of Pine City; sisters-in-law: Ginny Vogt and Adela Vogt; 12 grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Hinckley with the Rev. James Groleau officiating. Visitation will be from 10 until 11 a.m. at church. Casketbearers are Moris Hughes, Greg Beamer, John Youngberg, Peter Kuhlman, Dan Baran and James Baran. Honorary casketbearers are Bill Hughes, Chuck Hughes, Hans Hughes, Cary Meier, Cliff Youngberg and Matt Youngberg. Burial will be at Brook Park Cemetery.

Arrangements by Tatting-Methven Funeral Home.