Gertrude Van Zee

Gertrude Mae Van Zee was born September 30, 1931, to Marinus and Allie (Uitermarkt) Stravers at their home in Galesburg, Iowa. 

Gertrude attended Galesburg Country School through the eighth grade. She grew up helping her dad on the family farm. On February 20, 1953, Gertrude was united in marriage to Lester E. Van Zee at the Sully Christian Reformed Church. Gertrude and Lester farmed together until 1957. They were blessed with five children:  Daryl, Sharon, Ruth, Brenda and Brian.

Gertrude’s life revolved around her family, friends and music.  She played the accordion with Notes of Harmony instrumental group in Pella.  She was very supportive and caring of her family.  She baked bread and rolls and crocheted afghans for all her grandchildren.  Gertrude was a member of the Second Christian Reformed Church and went to Cary, Mississippi, for mission trips for eleven years.  She and Lester enjoyed trips to Florida together in the winter.   

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents Marinus and Allie Stravers, and her step-mother Bessie (Hulsbos Van Klaveren) Stravers.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Lester, and their children and their families:

Daryl and Judy Van Zee of Pella

            Byron and Clarissa Van Zee

                        Asher, Annika, Ara

            Tony and Sarah Van Zee

            Grant Van Zee

Sharon and Tom Walker of Pella

            Matt Walker

                        Taylor, Carmen, Isaac

            Daniel and Danielle Walker

                        Xavia, Haylee, Madison, Corbin, Jaxson

           Joseph and Brandy Walker

                        Nova

Ruth Hartgers of Pella

            Ben Curtis

            Amber Hartgers and Victor Cordoza

                        Aubrey
 

Brenda and Charlie Bottorff of Adel, Iowa

            Chad and Ashley Bottorff

                        Zander, Deagan, Eowyn

            Kendra Bottorff and John Curran

            Tyler Bottorff

Brian Van Zee and Kristie Keller of Knoxville

            Brooke Van Zee

            Brady Van Zee and Courtney Marsh

            Kyle Draper

           Casey Pyle and Kim Woolley

                        Nevaeh Love, Brianna Jo

            Kelli and Tanner Salsberry

                        Demi Jo

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.