Hermine “Trudi” Gertrud (Ruef) Thomann, age 94 of Monroe, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother died on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Rachel’s Choice in Monroe. Trudi was born on September 6, 1923 in Ebligen, Canton Bern, Switzerland, the daughter of Ulrich and Anna (Fluck) Ruef. On October 10, 1942, she and Albert Thomann were married in Brienz, Canton Bern, Switzerland. They immigrated to the United States with their (3) children in October 1952 and they became naturalized citizens in February 1963. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert who died May 28, 1979. They farmed near Orangeville, Illinois for many years before moving to Monroe in 1961. Trudi worked for many years as a tester at Oaktron Industries and later cleaning homes for many area people. She was well known to her friends and family and in the community for all of her selfless and unselfish deeds for many, many others.
She was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ, Monroe and she was also a charter member of the Monroe Swiss Singers for 50 years. She dearly loved singing and yodeling and sang at many events first with her daughter and in recent years with her youngest granddaughter, Alexa. Trudi greatly enjoyed gardening and she had many beautiful flowers enjoyed by neighbors and passers-by all. She also enjoyed knitting baby sweaters, hats, mittens and slippers for all of her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She loved to cook and was well known for many of her “secret” recipes including Zopfa, Fondue, Raclette and Alpler Macaroni. She so much enjoyed having family and friends alike for lunches and dinners and she was well known for her great, yet simple meals.
Surviving her are her (3) children: daughter, Dora (Raymond) Kluck of Lake Summerset, Davis, Illinois and family Deborah (Joel) Jansen (John and Anna, Abigail, Michael and Benjamin, Elianna and Serena), Jeffrey Kluck (Aaron and Katelyn), Daniel Kluck (Viola and Daely); son, Walter (Cynthia) Thomann, Monroe and family (Bradley, Jodi (Nate) Christopher (Addison, Payton and Jack); Heidi (Charles) Spangler, Olivia and Willow (Stroede); son, Paul (Stacy) Thomann, Monroe and family Karla (Kaylea, Kenedy and Garrison), Shawn and Alexa Thomann.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Albert, (2) brothers (Hans and Helmuth Ruef), 2 sisters (Anna Siegrist-Bartschi, and Frieda Pulver-Ruef) all in Switzerland, along with 2 nephews and a niece, and her son-in-law Raymond Kluck of Lake Summerset.
Memorial services will be Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the SHRINER-HAGER-GOHKE funeral home 1455 Mansion Dr., and 18th Ave., in Monroe. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 31st, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name for the Green County Humane Society and The Monroe Swiss Singers. Trudi’s family invites all friends to extend condolences, share a memory or light a candle in her honor.
The family would like to Thank, especially the staff at Rachel’s Choice, Agrace Hospice, and St. Claire Friedensheim for all their compassionate care.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.shriner111.com.
