Gertrude (Stahl) Begalka, daughter of Carl and Gertrude (Van Dyke) Stahl, was born December 31, 1910 in Hamlin County, South Dakota. She spent her early years and received her education in rural school in Hamlin County. Gertrude was united in marriage to Ervin Begalka on January 19, 1939 in Estelline and they farmed until Ervin's death in 1968. She moved into Estelline in 1969 and has made her home here since that time. She entered the Estelline Nursing and Care Center on July 18, 2008 and died there on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the age of 100 years, 9 months and 14 days. She was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Estelline and was active in Ladies Aid. She loved to play cards and was a Minnesota Twins fan. Gertrude was always kind and caring to all her brothers and sisters. Grateful for having shared her life are several nieces and nephews and special friends and neighbors, Loren and Marj Schleuter of Estelline. She was preceded in death by her husband Ervin, her parents, six brothers and three sisters. Her funeral service will be 1:30 P.M., Thursday, October 20, 2011 at Geise Funeral Home in Estelline. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5PM to 7PM. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery at Estelline. Memorials may be directed to either Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church or the Estelline Nursing and Care Center.