Gertrude “Gertie” passed away April 10, 2026 at age 100 at Monument Hospital in Rapid City, SD after a brief illness.

Gertrude was born January 13, 1926 at Eureka, SD to Fred and Christina (Rohrbach) Kammerer. Gertrude graduated from Hosmer High School in 1944, and began her teaching career in 1945. She received her degree in elementary education from Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD. She taught in Edmunds and McPherson County country schools and 3rd. and 4th. grades in the Hosmer school system. She retired June 1, 1988 after teaching 43 years. Her students through the years were the children she never had.

Gertrude married Gardner Eisenbeisz on November 27, 1947 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hosmer. There they bought a house and made their home. Gardner owned Eisenbeisz Trucking for 38 years hauling grain and livestock with Gertrude riding with him on occasion.

Gertrude was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Hosmer Homemakers Club for 25 years, and was active in St. John’s Lutheran church teaching Bible school, singing in the choir, and helping sew quilts. She was most recently a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rapid City. Gertrude was fluent in the German language, loved to dance, and will be remembered for her great attitude, soft laugh, and little giggle.

After both Gardner and Gertrude retired, they traveled with their camper, on bus tours, and spent Winters in Apache Junction, AZ. After Gardner died February 21, 2005, Gertrude continued to spend Winters in Apache Junction. On September 1, 2018, she moved into Echo Ridge Senior Living in Rapid City, SD, where she was currently living.

Gertrude is survived by sister LaVina Keene of Boulder, CO, 15 nieces and nephews, and extended family. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM April 17 at Behren’s Funeral Home in Rapid City. Internment with Gardner will be held at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD.