Van Zee, Gertrude Mae – 1931-2019

BOTTORFF, HARTGERS, HULSBOS, KELLER, STRAVERS, UITERMARKT, VAN KLAVEREN, VAN ZEE, WALKER

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:33

Gertrude Mae Van Zee, 87, of Pella died Feb. 17, 2019. Funeral services were held Feb. 22 at Second Christian Reformed Church in Pella. Memorial donations may be given to Cary Christian Center.
Gertrude was born Sept. 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. Feb. 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 Second Christian Reformed Church and went to Cary, MS, for mission trips for 11 years. She and Lester enjoyed trips to Florida together in the winter.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Lester, and their children and their families: Daryl (Judy) Van Zee of Pella, Sharon (Tom) Walker of Pella, Ruth Hartgers of Pella, Brenda (Charlie) Bottorff of Adel, and Brian Van Zee and Kristie Keller of Knoxville; 16 grandchildren; and 19 great- grandchildren.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents and her stepmother Bessie (Hulsbos Van Klaveren) Stravers.
Source: Hometown Press (Sully, IA); February 27, 2019