Gertrud Bracklow

Obituary - Gertrud Bracklow - Kingston, NY - April 4, 2024

Born on December 12, 1928 in Hamburg, Germany, Gertrud Bracklow (née Warnke) passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on April 4, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her loving family and under the gracious care of Hospice.

Her parents Fritz and Emma Warnke raised Gertrud in a working-class family in Hamburg; Fritz, a blacksmith by trade, and Emma, a domestic housekeeper for a local Hamburg businessman and his wife.

On May 24, 1947, Gertrud wed Heinz T. Bracklow, also of Hamburg, to whom she was devotedly married for 72 years until the time of his passing in 2019. In November 1952, Heinz and Gertrud proudly immigrated to the United States, residing in Kerhonkson, Ellenville, Accord, and finally settling in Kingston, NY in 1992. Husband Heinz was a founding member of Rondout Manufacturing Corp. of High Falls, NY, and Gertrud worked as a hairdresser for local clientele in the Ulster County area.

Close friends and family endearingly called Gertrud "Oma", which means "Grandma" in German. She wore the title proudly for her three children, seven grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Gertrud's proud nature and love for her family proved to be her greatest assets to all who knew her.

Among Gertrud's most-cherished joys were visiting relatives and friends, boating trips between New York and Florida, and vacationing on the islands of Sylt along the northwestern coast of Germany.

Gertrud is survived by: daughter Gerit (Martino) of Kingston, NY, daughter Heidi (Lawrence) of Florida, and is predeceased by son Glenn Bracklow of Beacon, NY, and is also predeceased by her infant daughter Irid.

Gertrud is also survived by: son-in-law Anthony F. Martino of Kingston, NY, son-in-law John Lawrence of Florida, daughter-in-law Linda Bracklow (Landisi) of Beacon, NY, grandchildren Anthony B. Martino of Green Island, NY, Trevor-John Lawrence of Florida, Garrick E. Martino and wife Jennifer of Kingston, NY, Jakob C. Bracklow of Florida, Julianna N. Bracklow (Hardenbrook) and husband Shane of Florida, Connor Lawrence and wife McKenzie of NY, and several great-grandchildren, and is also predeceased by grandson Theodor G. Martino of Kingston, NY.

No ceremonies are planned, as per Gertrud's wishes.

Donations may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 www.hvhospice.org in lieu of flowers.