Nevada native celebrates 95th birthday

Gertrude Gottschalk celebrated her 95th birthday in Carson City on Feb. 5. Her son, Mark Gottschalk, hosted the party at the Recreation Center at Lake Glen.

Gertrude, a third generation Nevadan, was born in White Pine County on Feb. 4, 1916. Her parents, Jennie and James Riordan, were ranchers in the White River Valley south of Ely. Her maternal grandparents, Michael and Margaret O'Hare, had immigrated to Carson City in the 1860s. Gertrude's late husband George Gottschalk was born and raised in Lovelock and was a Carson City businessman.

Nearly 40 guests attended the birthday celebration. Granddaughters Suzette Thoeni and Heather Gottschalk, both well known for their beautiful soprano voices, dedicated the lovely arias they sang to their grandmother.

Enjoying the luncheon were her daughter-in-law Linda Gottschalk, grandchildren Shayne, Kerrie, Suzette, and Heather, great-grandchildren Benjamin and Hannah, nieces, nephews, and cousins on both the Riordan and Gottschalk sides of the family, including several from Lovelock. Many long-time friends from Carson City and surrounding area were also present.

An activist and Nevada State Democratic Party Committeewoman during the Kennedy presidency, Gertrude remains involved with her community and belongs to several local groups. She is looking forward to watching her granddaughter Suzette perform in the opera "The Marriage of Figaro" which will be held in Reno in April.