Gertrude "Gert" McBurney
Gertrude “Gert” McBurney, 89, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away on May 21, 2024, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen.
Gertrude Schmidt was born on December 5, 1934, to Leopold and Catherine (Feist) Schmidt in Roscoe, SD. In 1937, the family moved to Ipswich, SD, and then to Aberdeen, SD, in 1942. During that time, she held many jobs to help the family. She attended Aberdeen public schools and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1952.
On May 24, 1954, Gert was united in marriage to Joseph James McBurney Sr. They made their home in Aberdeen with their three children: Joseph Jr, Debbra, and Tamra. In 1967, Gert started working at Control Date and remained there until its closing in 1990. In 1991, Gert and her son Joe Jr. started Mac’s Motorcycle and Gert’s Crafts. In the early 1990s she met a special friend, JR Lewis. In 1996, she closed the shop and started working for Gellhaus Carehaus and Angelhaus. In 2007, she made a career change and started at McDonald’s on 6th Avenue. She remained working there until her retirement on September 29, 2022.
Gertrude enjoyed spending time with all her siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Her love of camping and dancing helped her meet many people and travel extensively. She has been to 50 out of the 52 United States.
Gert loved to spend time with all the kids in the family, going camping, doing scavenger hunts, teaching them how to dance, or just hanging out with them. She was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Moose Lodge, Dakota Square Dance, and the Rock Club. She was also involved in the Civil Air Patrol in the 1960’s.
Gert is survived by her two daughters Debbra (Floyd Kono) Zimmerman of Aberdeen, SD, and Tamra McBurney of Aberdeen, SD; five grandchildren: Travis Zimmerman of Aberdeen, SD, Tracy (Tracy) Christensen of Aberdeen, SD, Susie (Brent Lindeman) Zimmerman of Aberdeen, SD, Jeremy (Erin) McBurney of Watertown, SD, and Derek (Misty) Zimmerman of Sioux Falls, SD; 15 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; three sisters: Margret Duttenhoffer, Darlene (Jim) Johnson, and Kathlene (Garry) Johnson of Aberdeen, SD; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe; son, Joe Jr.; two great-grandsons; and seven siblings.