Gerda Karoline (Otte) Taylor

Gerda Karoline Taylor, 84, of Moline, passed away March 27, 2020, at Unity Point Health Trinity Hospital in Rock Island with her loving daughter at her side.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Due to COVID 19 pandemic a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Gerda was born October 19, 1935 to Adolf and Margaretha (Peers) Otte in Brunsbuttel, Germany. She was a child during World War II with bombs falling literally right outside her home. At 15 she was able to immigrate to the United States along with her brother. Due to government regulations her parents and sister could not leave for a few more years. Her great aunt and uncle had come to Moline after World War I and were able to sponsor both of them. She studied very hard and was so proud to become a US Citizen.

Soon after she arrived, she went to work for Phillip and Jane Mumford of Moline. She worked as a live-in nanny to Ann and Martha and also worked as their housekeeper. Mrs. Mumford taught her to speak English and thought of her as another daughter and the girls thought of her as their big sister. She remained very close with them.

She married Jack Taylor in 1955.  They would divorce in 1970. Together they raised two children. She worked very hard to support her family in the coming years as a domestic engineer and cooking at area dinner parties. Many times guests like Elsie von Mauer would come in to her kitchen to praise her phenomenal dishes.

She loved to travel and went back to visit Germany twice. She enjoyed Caribbean Cruises too. And she loved to play the penny slot machines at Casino Rock Island. Especially when she was winning. She was a hard worker, yet also a fun person with an infectious laugh. Her and her brother would go see Lewis & Martin movies after coming to America and he would duck as she snorted in glee.  Whether it was polka dancing at area German Dances, playing cards, gardening or laughing with her family and friends she had a great time. She was passionate about helping others like St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and people she personally knew who needed help. She had a happy and fulfilling life.

She loved her family and most of all she loved spending time with her daughter Christine. They were always there for each other and cherished each other dearly.

She was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Moline. And The Moline Vikings Club. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association or your favorite charity.

Survivors include her daughter Christine Taylor, Moline, son William Taylor, Sister Elke Paulson, Saratoga, CA, Sister-in-law Martha Otte, Princeton, IA, granddaughter Karoline,  Grandsons, a Great Granddaughter, several nieces and nephews, her Goddaughters and nieces Veronica Paulsen and Tina Spies and her cat Henry.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her brother Karl, her great nephew, Kurt and her former husband, Jack.

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