Gertrude "Trudi" Gaarder

Gertrude “Trudi” T. Gaarder, age 90, of Mankato, died peacefully with family by her side on Monday, October 6, 2025.

A Private Family service will be held with interment in Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Mankato. Northview – North Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army.

Trudi was born March 23, 1935, to Eddie and Alice (Campbell) Moe in Albert Lea. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1953. Trudi married Robert M. Gaarder in 1957. Trudi worked as a secretary in the Ag Department at Mankato Vo-Tech for several years. She later graduated from Mankato State University in 1976, Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Speech Pathology. She then worked in special education at the Faribault Schools and later Madelia Public Schools until her retirement in 1993.

Trudi and Bob traveled all over the world, especially loving Norway and Alaska. They also enjoyed fishing trips to Canada for many years. Trudi was a “coach’s wife” entertaining and providing food for many years. Trudy attended Elysian United Methodist Church.

Trudi is survived by her children, Timothy (Julia) Gaarder, Mark (Valerie) Gaarder; grandchildren, Kerianne (Andrew) LeJeune, Casey (Dai) Gaarder, Connor (Kaitlin) Gaarder, Bailey Gaarder, Brittany Deschene, Katrina (Matt) Hoehn, and Jeremy Gaarder (special friend, Raven); step-grandchildren, Morgan (Mark) Boehland, Caswell (Jane) Woosley; 16 great-grandchildren.

Trudi was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Eugene Moe; sister-in-law, Marcia (Jerry) Moyer; and great-granddaughter, Rosemary Sue LeJeune.