Gertrude E. "Gert" Stilson age 85, died on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at The Meadows of Fall River Assisted Living facility. She was born on October 6, 1940 in Portage to Reinhold Sr. and Regina (Toppe) Seemann. Gert graduated from Rio High School in 1958. She attended Madison Business College and initially worked downtown Madison. Gert was married to Norman "Norm" Stilson on July 2, 1960 at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Doylestown. They built a home in Otsego and lived there for 25 years and raised two sons.

During Gert's early career she was the treasurer of Otsego township, was on the Rio school district board and later worked for Kromer Cap in Columbus for 18+ years as the office manager. She later launched a "Weekenders" business hosting onsite clothing apparel. After that she stayed active working for several Columbus businesses and organizations.

Gert enjoyed bowling and golfed a ladies league at the Columbus Country Club. She was very active in her church and rarely missed the annual LWMS conference. She also enjoyed her involvement with Home Makers, the annual Columbia County fair and the Columbia County Barn Quilt Initiative.

Staying close to the Columbus community, the couple assisted with the creation of the Country Green Condominium Association which borders the Columbus Country Club and is where they established their new home.

Many memories were created when the couple purchased a farm next to Gert's homestead. She loved gardening at the property and hosting family and friend events. In addition, Springvale Vineyard was created providing grapes to local wineries and pick-your-own winemaking clubs.

Survivors include two sons Mark (Kristine) Stilson and Kevin (Lynn) Stilson; three grandsons Gregory (Leslie) Stilson, Jacob (Lindsay) Stilson, Benjamin Stilson; two step grandsons Tony (Kate) Schiefelbein and Riley (Ann) Schiefelbein; ten great grandchildren Elizabeth, Jackson, Calvin, William, Lila, Ryan, Martin, Paul, Luke, Ella; her two brothers Reinhold (Yvonne) Seemann and Loren Seemann; a sister-in-law Carol Seemann and brother-in-law Dennis (Susan) Stilson; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Norman in April 2026; her brother Bruce Seemann; her sister Sylvia Stadler; brother-in-law Clarence Stadler; niece Cindie Stadler; nephew Gary Seemann; sister-in-law Marlene Pick and brother-in-law Jim Pick.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M., on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Columbus. Rev. Tim Schwartz will officiate. Interment will be in the Otsego Cemetery, Otsego.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Generations of Giving https://generationshomeandhospice.com/donate/

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Gert's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com