Gertrude “Trudy” Amelia Czapla (Spies) died peacefully in Spokane, Washington on October 13, 2018 at the age of 88. Gertrude was born on February 27, 1930 in Genoa, Nebraska to Blaine and Stella Spies. She was the youngest of three children. She married Marcel Ignatius Czapla, in 1948. After winning a coin toss with a friend, Marcel asked Gertrude to dance, which started their lifelong love for each other and polka. They welcomed 5 children in Columbus, Nebraska before moving to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho in 1973. She worked as a Nurse’s aid and took pride in caring for others. A devout Catholic, Gertrude was known for her spunk, her exceptional baking, and her eagerness to learn. Gertrude leaves behind daughters Peggy (Harry) Fiala of David City, NE, and Mary (Dean) Kobza of Columbus, NE; sons Gerard (Carol) Czapla of Madera, CA, and Joseph (Julie) Czapla of Spokane, WA. Gertrude is also survived by 21 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Marcel, son Francis “Fritz” Allen Czapla, her infant daughter Bridget, her parents, her siblings Victoria and Walt, and great-grandson Drew Fiala. A viewing for Gertrude will be at Hennessey Funeral Home, at 2203 N. Division St., Spokane, WA on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 6-7pm, followed by a rosary at 7pm. A funeral mass is scheduled for 10:30am at Mt. Saint Michael’s Church, 8500 N. Saint Michael’s Rd., Spokane, WA followed by a burial at Holy Rosary Cemetery. A reception will follow at Oxford Suites at 15015 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley, WA. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Gertrudes's life. The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, who treated our Babka with care and dignity.
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