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

Cary Christian Center