Obituary of Waltraud C. Monsees

Waltraud Monsees (Moser)

March 11, 1934 - November 20, 2025

Waltraud Christa Elinor Monsees, also known as “Traudel” to some and “Toni” to others, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of November 20, 2025. 

Born in Breslau, Germany, Waltraud emigrated to the U.S in 1956 and lived in Ithaca, NY. A few years later, she relocated to Union NJ.

By 1961, Waltraud met, fell in love and married Martin Monsees. In 1962 when they were expecting their first child, Waltraud decided to officially become a naturalized citizen of the US. She and Martin lived in South Orange NJ, where they raised their four children. South Orange remained Waltraud’s home for the past 64 years. 

Waltraud must have been born with a sweet tooth. Whether Coca-Cola, Yoo-hoo, baked goods or peanut butter, she couldn’t just say no. She most definitely wouldn’t turn down chocolate, especially a nice piece of dark chocolate! Her employment record reflected her love of sweets. Most notably, Waltraud’s job at Gruning’s Ice Cream and Candy Co. in South Orange. At Gruning’s, Waltraud worked in conjunction with her husband. Martin made the chocolate candies and fudge sauce and Waltraud was one of the ladies that packaged the candies. For a glimpse into one aspect of her job at Gruning’s, check out I love Lucy - Lucy and Ethel at The Chocolate Factory (S2, E1)! After Gruning’s, Waltraud worked at Sonny Amster’s Bakery and then at Town Hall Deli till her retirement in 2003.

Waltraud was a voracious reader. When not reading, she loved watching Hallmark movies and old sitcoms. General Hospital was a must see and of course, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She also enjoyed listening to music, preferring records to cds. Letter writing was a big part of her life, as well as, chatting on the telephone with friends.

Waltraud was confirmed in the Lutheran Church but after being married at the South Orange - Vailsburg United Methodist she became a regular attendee and raised her children in the Methodist faith. Waltraud was a Sunday school teacher, a member of the CIHU-Irma Walton Circle and sang in the church choir. She was a much-devoted non-member. No longer able to attend services in person, she enjoyed watching from her bedside via zoom or YouTube. 

Visitation will be held at Preston Funeral Home 153 South Orange Ave, South Orange on Sunday, November 30^th from 2:00 – 5:00 PM and on Monday, Dec 1^st from 9:00 – 9:45 AM. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Hollywood Cemetery in Union.

Predeceased by her husband, Martin, Waltraud is survived by her children John M. (Dana), David H. (Heidi), Edward W. and Heidi (Joe Stecher), her grandchildren Jackson and Avery and cherished friends, Shang Fong, Hanni Heyeck and Johanna Roitmayer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Waltraud’s memory to:

South Orange-Vailsburg United Methodist Church, 150 South Orange Ave. South Orange NJ 07079 or  St Baldrick’s Foundation, 1333 South Mayflower Ave, Suite 400, Monrovia, CA 91016.

For more information or to send condolences please visit prestonfuneralhome.com