Gertrude Elise Mogg, the daughter of George and Augusta (Kober) Mahurin, was born May 6, 1920, at Ute, Iowa and went to meet her maker and to reunite with loved ones who had gone before, on March 10, 2024, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 103 years, 10 months, and 4 days.
Gertrude was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Vinton, Iowa and was a member there for many years. She graduated from Vinton High School where she participated in many activities, excelling in vocal music and Speech. Following Normal Training and summer school, Gertrude taught rural school in Benton County for five years and worked during the summer at J.C. Penny Co. and also worked part time at a local grocery store.
On January 1, 1942, she was united in marriage to Tech, Sgt. Philip M. Mogg at the First United Methodist Church in Bato Rough, Louisiana. While Phil was in the service. Gertrude continued teaching until Phil’s return after three and a half years overseas service and as a Prisoner of War in Germany for twenty-seven months, during WW II.
Gertrude and Phil were blessed with two daughters, Linda and Leah. While a mother and homemaker, Gertrude continued her education and graduated from Drake University with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in the Audubon Elementary School for twenty years.
Gertrude was a long time and faithful member of the Audubon First United Methodist for over 78 years. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and recipient of the special Mission Recognition Award. Gertrude sang in the choir for many years, did children’s sermons, taught Bible School, and was a co-leader of the Esther Circle for several years. She also served on several committees, which intruded the building committee for the present church. Gertrude was a member of the Garden Club, a member and past president of the Audubon Hospital Auxiliary, Audubon Elementary Retired Teachers, and the American Legion Auxiliary. A life member of the Audubon Historical Society, Auxiliary of Ex Prisoners of War, and the National Education Association. Gertrude was a charter and life member and first president of the Audubon V.F.W. Auxiliary.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phil, of fifty plus years; her precious daughter Linda Sue Mogg Crees; her son-in-law Jerry Davis; her parents and in-laws; Six brothers and two sisters and spouses, an infant brother; two nephews, three nieces, and many old and dear friends.
Survivors include her daughter; Leah Davis and fiancé Ron Skalla of Harlan, Iowa; her grandchildren Michael (Tracey) Crees of Des Moines, Iowa, Michelle Ellson and Dominic Harris of Des Moines, Iowa, Trevor (Kendall) Davis of Bennington, Nebraska, Tanner (Danielle) Davis of Urbandale, Iowa, and Kelsey Bruck and Chris Kelly of Harlan, Iowa; her great grandchildren, Claire Crees and Noah Ellson both of Des Moines, Iowa, Larkin and Beckham Davis both of Bennington, Nebraska, Brody and Blaire Bruck both of Harlan, Iowa, her namesake Elise Davis and Joycelyn Davis both of Urbandale, Iowa; nieces nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family will meet with friends on Friday morning, March 15, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the First United Methodist Church in Audubon. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Carla Evers and Minister Jason Zaiger Friday morning March 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Audubon. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery. The honorary casket bearers will be the Retired Teachers. The casket bearers will be Sam Graeve, John Roberts, Steve Stetzel, Chris Rustvold, Neil Andreasen, and Laverne “Bub” Deist.
