Gertrude A. “Gertie” Droge, 87, of St. Benedict, KS, died Tuesday, February 27, 2001, at the home of her grandson and his wife, Greg and Denise Deters, southwest of Centralia, where she had lived for the past four years.

She was born August 11, 1913, on the family farm west of Centralia, the daughter of William and Mary Holan Koch. Later the family moved to a farm north of Centralia where she attended a rural school.

On May 12, 1931, she married Raymond J. Droge at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. They lived in the St. Benedict community. Her husband preceded her in death on September 14, 1978.

She was also preceded in death by an infant son, James Droge in 1948, and a grandson, Darrell Droge on September 15, 1973.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict and St. Ann’s Altar Society at the church.

Survivors are two sons, Ray A. Droge and Craig Droge, both of Topeka; three daughters, Norma Jean Wojciechowski of Waterville, OH, Reva Deters of Seneca, and Diane Laub of Topeka; a brother, Lawrence Koch of Seneca, a sister, Lucy Deters of Seneca; nine grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, son, and grandson, she was preceded in death by five brothers, William, Andrew, Louis, Wauncel, and Ralph Koch, and two sisters, Florence Feldkamp and Lena Barber.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Saturday at St. Mary’s Church at St. Benedict. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Friday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund, and sent in care of the family.