Ortrud Franziska Vatheuer

Ortrud Franziska Wilhelmine Vatheuer was born in Trienke, Pomerania, a former province of Germany, on the twelfth of March, 1934. She was born into a family that consisted eventually of seven children. Frugality was of utmost importance during those times. All of the children participated in supporting the family. One of Ortrud’s earliest childhood memories was of herself at the age of four, standing on a stool next to the stove and stirring the family’s soup. She learned responsibility at a tender age while growing up in the town of Stolzenfelde, Germany, and this trait served her well throughout her life.

Ortrud came with her family to the United States from Germany in 1953, after a childhood made difficult by the second World War and post-war period. As the rest of the Vatheuer family settled into farm life in Idaho, Ortrud worked at Northwest Children’s Home in Lewiston, Idaho taking care of orphans. She spent ten years there. Ortrud valued her time at the home and loved the children, some of whom remained in contact with her into her later years.

In the early 1960’s Ortrud moved to Portland to join her parents and two brothers. She worked at Youngland, an upscale children’s clothing store for many years. This led, in turn, to the opening of her own business in the Multnomah district called “Trudy’s Kinderstube”. The store featured gently-worn children’s clothing, but due to Ortrud’s diligence and ingenuity, the clothing appeared new to her customers.

Ortrud purchased a home near the Multnomah district and developed a passion for gardening. In later years she spent most days outside tending her plants and was known for her exceptionally beautiful roses, which were admired by all those who passed by. A popular neighborhood event was Ortrud’s annual plant sale. Gardening remained her most cherished activity to the end.

For special occasions, Ortrud loved to bake for her family and friends. She enjoyed baking German “Brötchen” (hard rolls), Christmas “Stollen”, and special cakes of various kinds. There were many ”Kaffee und Kuchen“ get-togethers with her German friends. During family visits, she served a delicious breakfast that was especially enjoyed by all visiting family members and will remain a special memory.

When Ortrud lived near down-town Portland, she was one of the original joggers in the area. Later on, as she got older, she began walking and did an early morning walk around her neighborhood every day. She greeted many neighbors as she followed her daily course and connected with the people of her neighborhood in this manner. Ortrud will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 1015 SW 18th Ave., Portland OR 97205, at 12:00 noon on Tuesday April 16th. Reception to follow.