Gertrude Marie Kessen passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at a brief illness.  She was 96 years old, born on August 15, 1929, to John and Olivia (Habiger) Knoeber in Spearville, Kansas.  The oldest of five children, she attended Spearville High School and then a year at Sacred Heart College in Wichita, Kansas.

She married Paul L. Kessen of Spearville on August 3, 1950.  They moved to the farm in Fowler, Kansas, shortly afterward.  Their children are Karla Walker (Don Finkeldei), Jo Chance (Kendall), Patty Wells (Bob), Kenny (Lynette), and Karen McDowell.  Her siblings include Dorothy Devine of Derby, Kansas, Cle Knoeber and Julia Kessen (Don) of Dodge City, Kansas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, a brother, Jim Knoeber, and a sister, Sister Margaret Knoeber.

Gertie had fifteen grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren.

She was an excellent cook and baker to which many of her family and friends will attest.  She cooked a few years at the Sterling House nursing home in Dodge City.  Her last job at 80 plus years, was with her dear friend Lynn Zortman of the Neon in Fowler, Kansas.

She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and up until she moved to the nursing home in Fowler, she remembered their birthdays with a card of phone call.

She was a resident of Minneola for 10 years until her health began to decline.   She then moved to Fowler Residential Care Center in April of 2025.   She loved her friends there and was known as an avid jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, and was quite good!

Gertie was a devoted Catholic and had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  She worked had throughout her life.  Early days on the farm she was often Paul’s field and irrigation partner while looking after her children and always providing a hot meal at suppertime.

Her family and friends will forever remember her infectious laughter and loving heart.

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Fowler with Holy Mass celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026.  Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.  Interment will follow in the Fowler Cemetery, Fowler.

The family would welcome memorials to the Fowler Residential Care Center or St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in care of the funeral home.