Gertrude E. Persons, 97, of Superior, died Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Villa Marina Health and Rehab, Superior.

Gertrude was born in Superior on January 26, 1929, the daughter of George and Zora (LaBonte) Williams. She attended school and part way through the ninth grade she was pulled out of school to work on the farm as her brothers went off to fight in World War II. Around 1966, Gertrude and her sister Luella received their GED and at that time Gertrude continued her education receiving her master’s in education before becoming a teacher. She married Richard Persons in 1948 in Holyoke, MN. Gertrude taught in and retired from the Superior School District and was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. In retirement, Gertrude volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospice unit as well as many other organizations. She also worked as a CNA in her retirement.

She was into the arts and music and loved to paint and play her violin. Gertrude also played in the Solon Springs and the Superior Community Bands. She even hosted numerous foreign exchange students from all over the world.

She is preceded in death by her parents. Brothers David, Lawrence, Ernest, Harvey and Charlie; also, by her sister, Luella Burdick.

Gertrude is lovingly survived by her children, Gerald and Jeanette of Duluth, MN, Mark of Holyoke, MN and Mike of Apple Valley, MN. Her eight grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Also, by her sister Leona Hackensmith of Superior.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 12, 2027, from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Pattison Park Pavillion, 6294 State Highway 35, Superior. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery.

Down Life Celebration Center is assisting the family with arrangements.