Gertrude Goldsmith

Gertrude Goldsmith, age 101, of Big Stone City, SD, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Big Stone Tabor Church in Big Stone City, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Pastor Sandy Marquardt and Pastor Jason Swenson will officiate the service, and interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Big Stone City.

Gertrude Emma (Diers) Goldsmith was born a twin to the late Walter “Mike” Diers in Isle, MN, to Herman and Martha (Pahl) Diers. She was baptized on December 27, 1924, at the Lutheran Church in Isle, and confirmed at Reque Lutheran Church on October 30, 1935. Gertrude received her education at a country school in Alberta, MN, where she laid the foundation for a life filled with hard work and dedication.

In her youth, Gertrude met Vernon Goldsmith while accompanying her brother, Mike, on trips to Clinton. On September 7, 1944, Gertrude and Vernon were united in marriage at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Chokio, MN. Together, they raised four children: Pat, Dick, Jan, and Mary.

In the early 1960s, Gertrude began her career at the Big Stone Canning Factory and later transitioned to the Big Stone Cheese Factory, where she worked diligently until her retirement.

Gertrude was affectionately known by many nicknames, including Toots, Tootie, Gert, and Gertie. She found immense joy in gardening, creating vibrant flower beds in the summer, and cultivating a large vegetable garden from which she canned produce and made delightful jellies. Gertrude’s culinary talents were well-known, as she won prizes at the Minnesota State Fair for her beloved breads in her younger years and delighted family and friends during holidays with her exceptional cooking, often claiming she was “hungry for that” when making a favorite dish for a visiting guest.

Gertrude’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family as she selflessly took care of her younger siblings when she was younger and enjoyed hosting gatherings, ensuring that each guest felt special and loved. Gertrude was a member of Big Stone Tabor Church and attended many Sunday services when she was able. She also had a passion for traveling, embarking on many memorable trips with her mother and siblings. In her leisure time, Gertrude enjoyed playing Bingo and cheering for the Minnesota Twins, finding joy in both the games and the company of family.

Left to cherish Gertrude’s memory are her daughters: Pat Delgehausen of Milbank, SD; and Mary (Fran) Piatz of Becker Township, SD; eight grandchildren: Lori (Darin) Jutting, Chad (Cindy) Goldsmith, Kelli (Wade) Knapp, Kris Krause, Brian (Amanda) Krause, Ryan Krause, Heather (Mitch) Lynch, and Jeremy (Jillian) Piatz; 12 great-grandchildren: Kayla Tillma, Ashley Fahleen, Mason Goldsmith, Jessica Provost, Trent Jacobs, Ethan Knapp, Olivia Knapp, Kassidi Derschan, Jasper Piatz, Jack Lynch, Bennett Lynch, and Eli Lynch; four great-great-grandchildren: Roman Fahleen, Remi Fahleen, Liam Provost, and Noah Provost; daughter-in-law, Sue Goldsmith; son-in-law, Dennis Krause; sister-in-law, Rowena Diers; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special friend, Trudy Taylor.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Vernon, in 2017; her parents; her daughter, Jan Krause; her son, Richard “Dick” Goldsmith; her grandson, Mike Delgehausen; her siblings: Henry “Jackie” Diers, Walter “Mike” (Betty) Diers, Alvin “Ted” (Betty) Diers, Dorothy “Dort” (Wes) Swihart, Melvin “Melvie” Diers, and Melford “Mel” (Joan) Diers; and her son-in-law, Gordon Delgehausen.