Gertrude Rykse

Gertrude Rykse was a blessing in the lives of those she held dear and leaves fond memories to be forever treasured. An inspiration to many, she hands down a legacy of love that will be remembered and fondly cherished in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Born in the warmth of a loving home in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 25, 1915, Gertrude entered the world as a blessing to her parents, Eli and Elsie (Flietstra) Visser. It was a time of unrest in the nation as World War I raged overseas and as America was taking on a more progressive niche in the world. The one millionth automobile rolled off the assembly line and in turn a need for traffic control was necessary which resulted in the first stop sign to be erected in Detroit, Michigan.

Gertrude’s father worked as a butcher while her mother cared for the children at home as a homemaker. Gert was the youngest of 13 children and the family made their home on the cities northwest side on Courtney Street. Their home was near West Leonard Christian Reformed Church where the family was faithful members. Gert attended West Side Christian School through the eighth grade and like many young people during this time, left school to find work in an effort to help out at home. With the onset of the Great Depression, many suffered great hardships and Gert’s large family was no exception. She soon found employment working at the Bissell Company.

For leisure, many of the young people Gert’s age took in church activities, went for walks and enjoyed roller skating. It was while roller skating that Gert’s life would turn in a new direction when she met a dashing young man named Gerald Rykse. After the two became acquainted, a dating relationship formed over time. Finding themselves in love, they were married on January 6, 1939 before a congregation of family and friends. They began their married life together in an apartment near the west side. Before they were settled in they decided it was a good idea to purchase fire insurance. The insurance proved to be a blessing when the week following their wedding they lost everything they had in a fire. Thankfully, they were not injured and thankfully, they had insurance.

Before long the couple began their family with the birth of their daughter Barbara. Ruth and Jerry followed and their youngest, Patricia, completed their household. They bought their first home on Arianna Street NW where they raised their family for many years before moving to Sprucewood NW in 1963 and remained there for years to come. Gert was a wonderful cook and made delicious dinners for her family. Sunday meals were especially nice as the family gathered together. She also made great peanut cookies and her homemade applesauce was a family favorite. Family times spent together included Sunday drives, days at the beach and many enjoyable picnics.

Gert was dedicated to her family and involved in her children’s school activities where she volunteered often. For a time Gert served as a Candy Striper, volunteering her time at Butterworth Hospital. She also gave much of her time and talents at church as well. She served as an active volunteer, taught Sunday School and was involved with the Vacation Bible School program there throughout the years. Following Gerald’s retirement in 1990 they traveled extensively to destinations such as Europe and car trips across the country to visit their daughters in California. Sadly, Gerald died unexpectedly in 1996 and it was during this time that Gert came to rely on the love and support from her family.

After Gerald’s death Gert continued to keep active and remained volunteering when needed. She enjoyed getting together with her sisters, Nell, Win, Fran and Elsie whom she shared much and spent quality time with. She for many years was involved in a women‘s bowling league and formed many lasting friendships. Gert’s greatest joy was found in the company of her grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She was a wonderful and involved grandmother and made them each feel special. Gert loved the beach and thoroughly enjoyed swimming. She created lasting memories for her grandchildren on fun filled days at the beach together or simply enjoying long afternoons visiting the park.

When it became difficult for Gert to remain living on her own, she moved in 2002 to the Edison Home in assisted living. She enjoyed her many friends there and took in activities offered there. She loved to read and played the piano by ear. As her health recently saw a decline, she was placed in nursing care less than several days before going home to be with her Lord on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the age of 94. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

Along with her husband Gerald, Gert was also preceded in death by her son, Jerry in 2000. She is survived by her children, Barbara (Gordon) Van Enk and Ruth (Ben) Mijuskovic, all of California and Patricia (Donald) Lipinski of Grand Haven; daughter-in-law, Martha Rykse of Muskegon; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gene and Helen Rykse of Kalamazoo; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may meet with her family on Tuesday from 7-9 PM and again on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family wishes to thank the staff of Edison Assisted Living for their wonderful and compassionate care. Memorial contributions to The Christian Rest Home Foundation, 1000 Edison NW, 49504 or West Side Christian School, 955 Westend NW, 49504 would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or to sign Gert’s online guest book.