Gertrude Karsjen

Gertrude Karsjen, 90, resident of The Embers in Marshalltown and formerly of Garwin, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 4, 2022 at UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown. Per the wishes of Gertrude and her family, cremation rites have been accorded. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, May 10 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at the Garwin Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. For online condolences or questions, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Gertrude was born in Stettin, Germany on May 25, 1931 to Walter and Louise Albrecht. She grew up and was educated in the area of her birth. When World War II broke out, Gertrude was separated from her mother and evacuated from Stettin with many other children to an island in the Baltic Sea. In 1945, she was reunited with her mother and brother and relocated to West Germany. At 18 years old, Gertrude left home to live and work on a farm, where she met her future husband who lived nearby. Gertrude loved to attend dances in the area. She was united in marriage to Alfred “Bruno” Heinowski in 1953. The young couple lived in Herzebrock, Germany, where their first child was born. They immigrated to the United States in October of 1956 to join other family members in the Marshall County area. A son was born in 1966. Gertrude and Bruno were divorced and Gertrude later married Alvin “Al” Karsjen. They had one daughter and together resided in Garwin. Gertrude worked at Mercy Hospital, Milner Motel and later joined the Iowa Veterans Home, where she worked in laundry from 1967 until her retirement in 1992. After retirement, she enjoyed working for her son, who owned Willy Jacks in Garwin. Gertrude loved dancing, listening to polkas and waltzes, Lawrence Welk and flowers. She was an avid follower of the British Royal Family and loved Mickey Mouse. She also enjoyed gardening, collecting gnomes and playing cards with the “Garwin girls.” Gertrude remained in Garwin until March of 2020, when she moved to The Embers in Marshalltown. She greatly enjoyed her time there with the staff and residents, who became like family. She is survived by her three children: daughter Bruni (Bill) Levings, son Willy Karsjen and daughter Ingrid Karsjen (Eric Williams); seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Bonnie (Jim) Riese; many nieces and nephews; her extended Karsjen family and her family at The Embers. In death, Gertrude is reunited with her husband, Al Karsjen; former spouse, Bruno Heinowski; her parents and siblings. Gertrude’s family would like to extend a special “thank you” to the exceptional staff and residents at The Embers and to the caring staff at UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown.