Gertrude "Struppi" Zimmerman Hanneford was born, Sept. 26, 1931 in Speyer Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Struppi's family had no connection with the circus, her father was a baker and her mother a housewife. At a very early age Struppi developed an interest in gymnastics and at age seven, with the approval and support of her parents she began training for the trapeze. Struppi's parents acquired the assistance of a retired trapeze performer, Trude Johann to teach her the intricate skills needed to perform on the aerial act. It was Trude who gave young Gertrude the nickname of "Struppi".
At the age of 15, Struppi began performing professionally with European circuses. After achieving fame in Europe, in 1953 Struppi moved to the United States to perform with the Mills Bros. Circus.
In 1955, while working with Orrin Davenport's Shrine Circus Struppi met equestrian performer Tommy Hanneford. Tommy and Struppi fell in love and on December 8, 1955, were married.
Gertrude "Struppi" Zimmerman Hanneford died on November 1, 2014, at home in her sleep, after losing a long battle with colon cancer, Nov.
Thomas "Tommy" Robert Hanneford Preceded Struppi in death, dying on December 5, 2005.
Thomas Robert Hanneford was inducted into the International Circus Hall of Fame in 2008.
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