Gertrude Josephine (Schetzler) Engelbrecht, 85, of Jefferson City died Thursday, May 10, 2012, at St. Mary’s Health Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 22, 1927, in Rich Fountain, Missouri, the daughter of Anton and Mary Elizabeth (Posey) Schetzler, both deceased.

She married Tony Otto Engelbrecht on August 31, 1946, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Rectory. He was the love of her life and they were truly soulmates. He preceded her in death on September 6, 2010.

Gertrude was a homemaker and worked at the Tweedies Shoe Factory and later was a mother of six children and a childcare provider of many. Tony was Lutheran and Gertrude was Catholic, but they both had the same love of faith.

Gertrude is survived by six children: Ronald and wife Barbara Engelbrecht of Benton, Kansas; Jim and wife Cindy Engelbrecht of Vienna; Patrick and wife Judy Scott of Jefferson City; Mike Engelbrecht of Jefferson City; Rick Engelbrecht of Jefferson City; Steve and wife Bridget Engelbrecht of St. Martin’s; fourteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren; one sister: Irene Scheppers of Jefferson City. She also raised her niece, Barbara Schetzler Groner from six weeks of age. Barbara is married to Jerry Groner of Jefferson City.

She was preceded in death by one brother and three sisters.

Friends will be received from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where a rosary service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville, with Fr. Gregory C. Meystrik officiating. Interment will follow in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Honey Creek. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Stanislaus Building Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; Jefferson City, Missouri 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com