Gertrude Anna Holfeltz

Gertrude Anna Holfeltz April 9, 1942 – September 10, 2025

Gertrude Anna Holfeltz passed away peacefully in her home in Magna, Utah on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the age of 83. She was born on April 9, 1942, in Norvosidlo, Poland, to Paul and Anna (Fehlau) Nickel.

Gertrude’s early childhood was marked by unimaginable hardship. During World War II, as a very young girl, she and her family were imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. Though she was only a child, the memories of those years—of fear, survival, and loss—stayed with her throughout her life. She survived, alongside her father, through incredible resilience and strength.

In 1950, at the age of seven, Gertrude immigrated to the United States with her father, brother, and sister, seeking a new beginning. The family settled in Twin Falls, Idaho, where she grew up, learned English, and completed her education in Magic Valley, Idaho.

On July 19, 1967, she married George W. Holfeltz Jr., and together they built a life centered around family, and quiet strength. They had two children, Scott and Holly (Don Broncheau), and Gertrude devoted herself to raising them. She especially cherished traveling across the country to support their swimming competitions—always their biggest fan.

Gertrude was passionate about her flower garden, where she found peace, joy, and a connection to life’s simple beauty. She was shaped by her early experiences but never defined by them and her quiet wisdom touched everyone who knew her.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to seven grandchildren: Christopher (Stacy), Collin (Ashley), Whitney (Lee), Kevin (Whitney), Travis, Trista (Wes), and Scott (Isabelle). Her family grew to include nine beloved great-grandchildren: Hope, Lucille, Lillian, Braxton, Charlotte, Cyrus, Lennox, Canyon, and Ravven. Each one brought her immeasurable joy and was a testament to the life she helped build.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, George. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives she quietly and powerfully influenced.

A viewing and funeral service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Redwood Memorial Mortuary, 6500 S Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84123. The viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., with services immediately following.

Gertrude’s life was a profound journey— from survival to deep-rooted family joy. She taught all who knew her that even after darkness, it is possible to bloom.

"The way I see it, if you want rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain" -Dolly Parton