Gertrude Bloemers

Gertrude Bloemers was a strong and caring woman who loved bowling, playing cards and baking. Above all, she loved her friends and family. Gertrude was always thinking of others first and she was both blessed by, and a blessing to, those she loved.

As American soldiers were fighting in World War I, there were other exciting happenings that occurred on the American home front. In 1916, funny man of the time, Charlie Chaplin, signed a contract with Mutual Studios; there he earned an unprecedented $10,000.00 a week. In the academic arena, Albert Einstein completed his mathematical formulation of the General Theory of Relativity.

For parents, Gustav and Hattie (Haiker) Schreiber, the most exciting event of 1916 was July17th when they welcomed their daughter Gertrude into the world. Gustav and Hattie already had a son and daughter and this little girl was to be their last child. Gertrude was the baby in the family and was cared for with great detail and nurturing.

Gertrude’s parents had a farm in West Olive, MI and taught all three children how to do their part with the farming chores. Gertrude was a hard worker and took on great responsibility at a young age to care for the farm animals and the home. She spent a lot of time with the animals on the farm and easily fell in love with them, dearly caring for each one.

Growing up in West Olive gave Gertrude the opportunity to attend a local school system. She attended West Olive Grade School where completed her schooling through the 8th grade. After a few years of cleaning homes and helping around the house, she decided to go out a find her place in the world. Some of her jobs included working the Eagle Ottawa Tannery, at Camfield Manufacturing, Continental Motors in Muskegon and Custom Woodworking. She like woodworking and eventually found a job at Story and Clark Piano Factory, where she worked from 1953 to1980. In 1980, this loyal employee retired from her longstanding position.

Gertrude eventually met Albert J. Bloemers. It was amazing that they never met sooner since they lived only about three miles away from each other while growing up. Perhaps they did not meet sooner because they attended different schools or perhaps it was because the moment of introduction was to be fate. Gertrude and Albert were naturally drawn to one another once they met, and, in time, they decided to spend the rest of their lives together. They tied the knot in 1935 and were married in their home town of West Olive. They spent their first year of marriage living with Gertrude’s parents, Gustav and Hattie, and then moved for a time to Grand Haven before returning to West Olive.

Gertrude and Albert were excited to start a family and in1936 they welcomed their first child, Betty, into the world. Four years later, in 1940, Gertrude gave birth to their precious son, Roger. What a joy it was for Gertrude and Albert to share their lives with their two wonderful children.Gertrude was no stranger to hard work and she worked diligently in the factory for many years. She wanted to do her part in providing for their family. Although both she and Albert worked in the factories, they were able to provide a "farm life" for Betty and Roger. They bought a piece of property with an old farm house in West Olive, where the children could raise farm animals such as cows and chickens. In addition, they took time off to vacation with the children. One memorable trip was to Colorado near the Rocky Mountains. Not only were they able to see the glorious splendor of the "Rockies" but they were also able to visit with relatives who lived out West.

When the children were all grown up, Gertrude and Albert built a new home on their property. They planned to spend the remainder of their years together in this new home. Nine years later, in 1974 after 39 memorable years of marriage, Albert passed away. Gertrude stayed close to her children and grandchildren and these loved ones provided much needed strength during her time of grief.

Gertrude was a great mother and looked forward to being a terrific grandmother. She was blessed with eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Gertrude had a huge heart for her family, and took every opportunity to spoil them with her homemade baked goods. Christmas was a time family members could count on receiving fresh cookies from grandma. In addition, she would cheer them up with warm cookies when they were sick. Whenever the grandchildren visited grandma and grandpa’s house, they found grandma’s tootsie roll jar filled to the top.

When Gertrude retired, she did not find it difficult to keep herself busy. She belonged to a ladies card club for over 50 years and bowled in bowling leagues, sometimes two leagues a week. She took time to travel and was committed to volunteering for the American Red Cross Blood Bank. Eventually, Gertrude coordinated the volunteers who donated their time working for various blood drives. Gertrude was a lifelong member of the Harlem Reformed Church.

As insignificant as her birth may have seemed in the scope of world events, Gertrude left a lasting impression on everyone whose lives she touched. Her kindness, generosity and strength made her someone that her family and friends looked to for support..

Gertrude Helena Bloemers, age 88, of Holland, died Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at Oak Crest Manor of Holland. She was a member of Harlem Reformed Church, and also a member of the Ladies Aid at the church. Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Albert J. in 1974; and 2 grandchildren, Linda Bakker, in 1986, and David Bloemers, in 1995. Her family includes her two children, Betty and Howard Bakker, of West Olive, and Roger and Marie Bloemers, of Grand Haven; 6 Grandchildren; 12 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great Great Grandchildren; Brother-in-law, John and Hazel Bloemers, of Grand Haven, and a sister-in-law, Ruth Bloemers of Holland. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.To learn more about Gertrude’s life, friends may visit with family from 2-4p.m. and 7-9p.m. on Friday at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland. Funeral services will be 11:00a.m. on Saturday at the Harlem Reformed Church with Rev. John Nyitray officiating. Burial will be in Lakeshore Cemetery, Grand Haven. Please visit Gertrude’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, order flowers online or make a memorial contribution. Memorial contributions may be made to Harlem Reformed Church Scholarship Fund, or to Hospice of Holland.