GERTRUDE DENA WILLEMSSEN, age 95, of Leota, died Monday, February 20, 2023, at the Sanford Luverne Medical Center.
She was born December 26, 1927, in Sibley, IA, to Hugo and Dena (Schrik) Haken. She was baptized at the First Reformed Church in Little Rock, IA. Gert attended grade school and later graduated from the Samuel School of Cosmetology in Sioux City, IA, which led to her owning and operating ‘The Artistic Beauty Shop’ in George, IA. She received her GED in 1984.
Gert married Charles Willemssen on June 12, 1953 at the First Reformed Church in Sibley, IA. The couple settled in the George, IA area where they farmed south of town. In the spring of 1964, they moved to the farm near Leota, MN. After retiring from farming, Gert worked at Sailor Plastic in Adrian and later worked as a cook at the Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Home in Luverne, for thirteen years.
 She was a former member of the Lyon County First Presbyterian Church, in George, IA, where she was very active. Gert was a current member of the Bethel Reformed Church in Leota.
She was a genius with a needle, whether it be sewing, quilting, mending, or embroidery. She was an avid reader and birdwatcher, and she loved a good cup of tea! Gert had a witty sense of humor and a contagious giggle to match.
Gert is survived by her three daughters, Jean (Scott) Leininger, Milbank, SD; Laura (Tom) Hagedorn, Flandreau, SD; and Margo Willemssen, Lismore; three grandchildren, Justin Hagedorn, Bailey (Brett) Erickson and Tomi Jo Hagedorn; a sister, Jennie Schram, Sibley, IA; brother-in-law, Roger Sterler, Sheldon, IA; sister-in-law, Wanda Willemssen, Hull, IA; and many nieces & nephews.
   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles, in 2006; two brothers, Menno and Albert Haken; and a sister, Dena Sterler.
 Funeral was Saturday, February 24 at the Dingmann Funeral Home, in Adrian, officiated by Pastor Galen Smith.