Gertrude Aileen Tryggestad, age 89, of Altoona, formerly of Eleva, left her earthly home on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Grace Edgewood Assisted Living in Altoona, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 9, 1928 in Los Angeles, CA to Jesse Kay and Bertha (Ness) Cummins. She grew up in Eleva and attended school there. She was often addressed as "Trudy" by friends. Trudy attended Waldorf College in IA and later worked at Benson Optical in Eau Claire. She met Gordon Tryggestad while attending a dance at Fournier's Ballroom and later married on September 26, 1953. Gordon and Gertrude had two children. Together Gordon and Gertrude owned and ran a dairy farm in the town of Pleasant Valley. Trudy loved music and enjoyed playing many different instruments, including piano, organ, accordion, Hawaiian guitar, saxophone, harmonica, xylophone, and hand bells. She loved to share music with others, and played for nearby services and nursing homes. Trudy will truly be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her two children, two granddaughters, two great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; parents; and brother, Ronald Cummins.