Gertrude Littleton

Gertrude grew up on a large dairy farm in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. She was baptized in December, 1922 and confirmed in May, 1936 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fall Creek. She attended Fall Creek elementary and high schools, graduating in 1939. After graduation, Gertrude attended a teachers college in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on an academic scholarship. Soon after, she moved to Milwaukee where she met her future husband, Richard (Dick) Littleton, while he was on recruiting duty for the Marines. They married on April 30, 1942. Gertrude joined the Marines on December 17, 1943 and received an honorable discharge on May 31, 1945. Gertrude and Dick had four children: Carol in 1945 (who passed away in 1999), Michael in 1947 (who died shortly after birth), Melinda in 1950, and Curtis in 1959. Dick's job as a traveling salesman took them to various cities across the Midwest. Before moving to Indianapolis in 1964, they lived in Cudahy and Madison, Wisconsin, and Detroit, Michigan. Shortly after moving to Indianapolis, Gertrude became a member of First Trinity Lutheran Church, where she played as a substitute organist. Gertrude served as a substitute organist and played in 62 churches, 410 services, in Indianapolis and surrounding communities between 1981-2001. She worked as a secretary for Continental Coffee, and later as church secretary for both Fairview Presbyterian and St. Paul's Episcopal churches. She retired from St. Paul's in 1987. Gertrude always loved gardening and in 1991, she earned her Master Gardener certificate. In the summer of 1997, she worked on the Master Gardener project at Indy Island Aquatic Center, leading a group of youths in the Junior Garden Program. In 1992, Gertrude entered the University of Indianapolis. She graduated in 1996 with a Bachelors of Science in Music. When she was able, Gertrude enjoyed traveling and visiting relatives. She visited many states across the country, and also Vancouver Island and southern Canada. She was preceded in death by son Michael, daughter Carol, and husband Richard. She is survived by daughter Melinda, son Curtis, two grandchildren, Christine and Scott (Carol), and two great-grandchildren, Alex and Reid. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan