Gertrude "Trudy" Wippler

Gertrude (Trudy) Elaine Wippler of Lankin, N.D., age 90 passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Society in Park River, ND.

Trudy was born on April 15, 1936, in Grafton, N.D. to Handy & Esther (Nelson) Lykken. Trudy was the middle child in a family of 5 daughters. They lived on a farm outside of Adams, ND. Trudy graduated from Adams High School in 1954. Upon graduation she moved to Cavalier, ND and worked at First Bank, then moved to Minneapolis and worked at a bank there.

She married Theo Vatnsdal on December 15, (which was her mother's birthday) in 1956 and lived on a farm in rural Hensel, ND. They had three children: Karen, Jeff, and Jerry. She was busy raising a family and did a marvelous job. Somehow Mom made it look easy. She was involved with all three children teaching Sunday School, Cub Scouts, going to piano recitals and more. We thank her for these things she lovingly did for us. She also had an interest in gardening and excelled at it with outdoor flower beds and indoor plants. She worked at Borg Home in Mountain, ND for several years helping others.

Trudy married Melvin (Mel) Wippler on Oct. 3, 1980. She was happy doing things for the community and her family and friends. She was very patriotic and loved her country. Trudy was a member of the Fordville Lutheran Church, member of the Lankin Legion Auxillary since 1981 and was Chaplain for many years. Good Samaritan was her final home for 18 months and she knew many of the staff and they enjoyed her as much as she did them. Trudy saw many world changes and lived a good long happy life.

Trudy is survived by her children: Karen Vatnsdal, Jeff (Jean) Vatnsdal, and Jerry (Melissa) Vatnsdal. Grand children: Gene Quinnett, Tylor (Katie) Letzring, Blake Letzring, Melissa (John Wentzlaff) Vatnsdal, Cole Vatnsdal, Courtney Vatnsdal, Gavin Vatnsdal, Emily (Mitchell) Carr, 8 great grandchildren, and sister Lucy Bleakley. Trudy was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Mel, sisters LaVonne Hylden, Betty Webb, and Helene (Candy) Morstad.

Memorial Services will be on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:00am at the Fordville Lutheran Church of Fordville, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at Kosobud Cemetery of rural Lankin, ND.

In lieu of flowers, family request donations to Bosh-Ryba American Legion Post #157, Lankin, ND.