Gertrude A. Schlais, 89, a longtime Gile resident, died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, in Ironwood. The former Gertrude Helinski was born Jan. 3, 1919, in Ironwood, Mich., daughter of the late Joseph and Isabelle (Jaresky) Helinski. She attended St. Michael's Catholic Grade School in Ironwood, and graduated from Lincoln High School in Hurley in 1937. Gertrude was employed as a licensed practical nurse at Grand View Hospital in Ironwood for 27 years, retiring in 1982. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, past president and current vice-president of the Iron County Senior Citizens Association, and a past member and president of the AFSCME Union Local 992, Council 25, at Grand View Hospital. She was an avid gardener, and loved reading, playing cards and working crossword puzzles. On June 19, 1941, Gertrude was married to Eugene H. Schlais at St. Mary's Church in Hurley by the late Rev. Peter Myers. Eugene preceded her in death on April 11, 1972. Surviving are a daughter, Terry Finco, Little Chute; two sons, Eugene (Gloria), Ironwood Township and Jon (Bonnie), Erwin Township; ten grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; a brother, Joseph (Artine) Helinski, Bessemer; three sisters, Lucille Bergman, Walled Lake, Mich., Dorothy (Richard) Bergman, Clarkston, Mich., and Shelley (Jerry) Cvengros, Okemos, Mich.; a sister-in-law, Bernice Schultz, Morton Grove, Ill.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Florian Helinski; and a sister, Elizabeth Erickson. At the family's request, cremation has taken place. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Michael Hayden, celebrant. Rite of Committal will take place at the church, with luncheon to follow in the parish hall. Spring inurnment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurley. Family and friends may call at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gertrude's memory to the Iron County Senior Citizens Association, in care of Helen Kasper, treasurer, 910 Poplar St., Hurley, Wis. 54534. To view Gertrude's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick and Engstrom Funeral and Cremation Services of Ironwood and Hurley.