Waltraud “Trudy” Nerland

Waltraud “Trudy” Nerland, 82, was born October 23, 1941, in Germany and passed away at home April 7, 2024 in Lake Tapps, WA surrounded by those who loved her most. Preceded in death by her husband, Russel, parents Hildegard and Helmut, and sister-in-law Heidi. Trudy met and married her husband, Russel, while he was in the Army stationed in Germany later moving to the U.S. She became an American citizen and proceeded to study nursing while raising 3 daughters. She graduated from nursing school and spent most of her life dedicated to the elderly while living on a farm in Fort Dodge, IA. She most recently worked at Friendship Haven and spent several years on the Alzheimer's unit she loved. Trudy was known throughout Ft. Dodge far and wide, especially to her patients and their families, for being kind, compassionate, and caring. She was nominated and won several nursing awards during her career as a nurse. She was passionate about animals and everyone joked about how they all wanted to live their second life as one of her pets. She loved shopping, antiquing, gardening, flowers, and traveling. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and coworker. If you were lucky enough to cross paths with her, you would remember her for her hard work and dedication to the things she loved. She will be deeply missed by all. She is survived by her children; Judy Fowler, Kristine (Chris) Nerland-Campbell, sisters; Brigitte Polk, Uschi Wagner, brothers; Uli Wagner, Egon (Jutta) Wagner, grandchildren; Cody (Wailana) Baughman, Brandi (Chris) Fowler, Mindy (Leon) Baughman, Ava Nerland-LaFontant, Cristian Campbell, and many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Celebration of life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local animal shelter.