Gertrude K. ”Trudy” Paradis

Trudy Paradis, of Cedarburg, passed away in the evening hours of Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton surrounded by her loving family. She was 95 years old.

Born in Milwaukee to Willie and Katherine (née Hummel) Knauss, Trudy was raised with strong values of faith, family, and hard work that guided her throughout her life. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Milwaukee with the Class of 1947 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Downers College, beginning a lifelong dedication to nurturing young minds.

Trudy loved to travel, having visited over a dozen countries ~ her favorite was Egypt. She lived in Japan in the early 1950s and she and her granddaughter, Rachel, traveled Germany, Austria and France in the summer of 2015.

For 32 years, Trudy poured her heart into teaching kindergarten in the Grafton School District. Generations of children were welcomed into her classroom with warmth, patience, and encouragement. Her gentle guidance and steady kindness left a lasting impression on countless families. Even after retiring in 1993, Trudy’s energy and creativity never slowed.

Trudy embraced new passions with enthusiasm. She authored a cherished German-American cookbook, sharing her heritage and love of tradition through treasured recipes. A gifted and tireless crafter, she explored many creative pursuits and recently celebrated completing her one million crochet loops project — a testament to both her remarkable skill and her joyful perseverance. Rachel plans to combine the crochet chains into a blanket.

Trudy and her sister, Margaret, were founding members of German Fest Milwaukee ~ Margaret as a past President and Trudy as a muiti-decade Director. Her domain was the Cultural exhibition, which thrived under her stewardship. She also gave generously of her time, celebrating culture, community, and fellowship. Additionally, Trudy was a proud member of the Wisconsin Education Association and the National Education Association.

Above all, Trudy’s greatest joy was her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Katie, and her sister, Margaret. She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Margaret Robin (David), and her son, Eric; and by her four beloved grandchildren, Rachel (Kirby), Katie, Willie and Kayleigh. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends whose lives were brightened by her kindness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave., Cedarburg. The family invites everyone to wear green in Trudy’s honor.

Trudy will be privately laid to rest with her family at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.

The Eernisse Funeral Home, Cedarburg is honored to serve the Paradis family. Online condolence may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com