Gertrude Kreikemeier, an older sister of Srs. M. Armella and Immaculata, was born at Fayetteville, Ill. on Apr.24, 1880. Both parents were born in Germany. When Sister entered in August, 1905 the family lived in Nebraska. She was invested in March, 1906 and made profession in May, 1907. However, because of very poor eyesight, due to severe eye-strain in her youth, Sister felt unable to assume the responsibility of the Divine Office, and so became an Oblate. As such she was a hard-working, sacrificial, charitable person, ever faithful to her duties, and devoted to prayer.

Sister was stationed at the orphanage for 15 years. Except for a few months in Tucson and Kansas City, her entire religious life was spent at Clyde. Her chief occupation seems to have been sewing, though she was a ready helper at any task. 

In her declining years Sister lived in the Clyde infirmary and spent much time in the chapel. In March 1959 she fractured her hip in a fall and had to spend some weeks in the Maryville hospital. On her return home she gradually regained strength and was able to assist at Mass every day. Sister M. Cunigunda, who shared her room, gave her much comfort by her sisterly charity and by praying long German prayers with her. In late May Sister contracted pneumonia, causing her death on June 22nd. Her funeral Mass on the 24th was that of the feast of St. John the Baptist, and the celebrant in his sermon likened her to the great Precursor in her faithful witness to Christ during her long life-span of eighty- nine years.