Gertrude (Gustafson) Gobbel

Dr. Gertrude (Trudy) Gustafson Gobbel

September 17, 1928 – August 9, 2024

Londonderry Village, Palmyra, PA

Dr. Gobbel was the daughter of the late Henry William and Anna Margaret Hanson Gustafson. Dr. Gobbel is survived by three children: Karl Alan (Tina), Karin Jill Gobbel, and Kristin Holly (B. Lars) Gobbel-Swanson, and her much loved grandson Lars M. Swanson. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. Trudy was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Dr. A. Roger Gobbel and 5 brothers and sisters.

In 1949, Trudy received her B.S from Penn State. Following graduation and marriage, she taught in the public-school systems in Pennsylvania and Maryland. A family move to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois brought the opportunity for her to teach Psychology at the University of Illinois and obtain an MS from the University. The family moved to Gettysburg, PA in 1968 where she obtained a position in the Psychology Department at Gettysburg College. In 1972, after being told she would not be admitted to the Penn State graduate program based on her gender, age, occupational and parental status, Trudy enrolled in the doctoral program at Temple University and received her PhD in 1977. This experience of bias, in addition to other examples, led her to become a champion for women and equality for the rest of her life. Trudy became the first female chairperson of the Psychology Department at Gettysburg College. She was well published and co-authored two books with her husband Roger.

Dr. Gobbel retired after 21 years of teaching at Gettysburg College. After retirement, she and Roger traveled extensively. Trudy also began a 12-year volunteer career with the newly established Adams County Habitat for Humanity, including co-authoring the initial by-laws and organizational development. While in Gettysburg she was an involved member of St. James Lutheran Church.

Trudy and Roger moved to Campbelltown in 2002 and later to Londonderry Village in Palmyra, PA. Trudy enriched the lives of her family, friends, countless students, her colleagues and the College.

A reception will be held at Londonderry Village on Friday, August 23, 2024 from 12:00-2:00 pm in the Atrium for members of the Londonderry and Palmyra community.

A Celebration of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, 11:00 am at St. James Lutheran Church, 109 York Street, Gettysburg, PA. The family will receive visitors prior to the funeral beginning at 10:00 am at the church. Interment at the Memorial Garden, at the Seminary, will follow the service and reception.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Gobbel requested memorials be made to Gettysburg College, 300 North Washington Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325 or The United Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

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