Gertrude Ilse Jefferson

Gertrud Ilse (Flaig) Jefferson passed peacefully into the loving arms of her savior on Jan. 10, 2014, at Clare Bridge in Fort Collins, Colo. She was 83 years old. Ilse was born on Oct. 14, 1930, in Langenburg, Germany, to Johannes and Anna Flaig. As a girl, she lived with her family in Kirchberg an der Jagst where her parents owned a cafe, confectionary and grocery store. In 1954, she married Donald Lee Jefferson who was stationed with the U.S. Army in Germany. Ilse spent the next 25 years as an Army wife, raising five children and moving from post to post across the United States and in Europe. Trained as a classical pianist, Ilse was church organist at many Army chapels over the years. In 1973, her husband was assigned to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs where they eventually retired from the military and began civilian life. Ilse attended Pikes Peak Community College and after graduation worked for PPCC in the registrar's office. She retired in 1996. Ilse was an active volunteer in the American Red Cross and at the North Cheyenne Canyon Park in Colorado Springs. She loved to travel, most recently taking an Alaskan cruise, visiting Ireland, and making a final trip home to Germany. Classical music, particularly by composers Beethoven, Bach and Mozart, was her lifelong passion. Her children and grandchildren took great joy in listening to the beautiful music Ilse played on her own piano at home. All animals held a special place in her heart, from the ducks she fed on her daily walks around the lake by her home in Colorado Springs, Sher Khan, Ferguson, and Beau, the feline companions who shared her life. Ilse is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, who passed away in 2009; and by her grandson, Jack. She is survived by her son Ronald Jefferson ( Mary Jo), of Valdostia, Georgia; daughter Rita Clark (Gary), of Fort Collins; daughter Yvonne Gray-Garcia (Tony) of Wiesbaden, Germany; daughter Carol Borchert (Kevin), of Fort Collins; and son John Jefferson (Dena), of Colorado Springs. She also is survived by 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A private family memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan 14. Ilse will be interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Pets Forever in care of the Colorado State University Foundation, P.O. Box 1870, Fort Collins, CO, 80522; or at www.supporting.colostate.edu. Please leave condolences for the family at www.goesfuneralcare.com.

Gertrude Ilse Jefferson

October 14, 1930 - January 10, 2014