Losing a loved one can be incredibly difficult, both emotionally and logistically. The experience often comes suddenly and is certain to cause a flood of overwhelming emotions. Gertie experienced immense loss within a six-year span. Losing a child and then her husband, both unexpected, was devastating enough. Imagine having to deal with the responsibilities of retiring from a business built from an idea which grew into a large corporation and  most importantly, raising three beloved sons on her own. Gertie did!

Those who knew Gertie will remember and respect her gutsy attitude, her ability to overcome the cultural issues as a woman running a  manufacturing company and the challenges which go with day-to-day operations, the economic uncertainty, and most of all, the  personal tragedies. Gertie faced closure of the businesses she and her husband built together with grace and dignity. Her faith in God, support from her family, friends, and former employees enabled her through this process. Dale Amundson, the controller from the company worked with her on the financial obstacles. Long-time friends and employees, Lois and Adrian Larson provided support on many levels. Bob Carter was the legal advisor and her brother-in-law, Edgar Hetteen, became a partner with Amco, Inc. following his younger brother’s death.

Working to resolve details on legal matters and issues which arose when closing down the corporation, Gertie and Bob became friends which eventually led to their marriage. Gertie and Bob were married on June 3, 1975. They converted a hunting cabin into a permanent home in Beaver Township, south of Wannaska, Minnesota.