Gertrude Tjoelker
Gertrude Tjoelker, age 82, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Oct. 3 while holding the hand of her ever-loving husband of 63 years.
Gert was a strong woman who lived her life serving and loving others.
Gert was born in Artesia, California on Aug. 9, 1940, to Metske and Florence Hoekstra.
The family moved to Lynden when she was 2 years old.
Gert grew up on a dairy farm with her four brothers and two sisters. She graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1958.
Gert met the love of her life, Raymond Tjoelker, at the age of 17. He won her over and they married Oct. 10, 1958.
Ray and Gert did life together and were inseparable.
They dairy farmed together for over 40 years.
They would get up early and do the morning milking together.
They would fix fence, check heifers, cut firewood and do so many other farm chores – together.
Then they would do the evening milking – together. Somewhere in all of this, Gert managed to make a lot of coffee and prepare three meals a day.
Then there are the hobbies that they did together.
Miles and miles of trail riding and years of camping in the mountains.
They enjoyed playdays where Ray and sons rode their horses while Gert helped with paperwork.
They drove ponies, then horses, then mules pulling carts, buggies and manure spreaders.
They drove their mules through many local parades.
A highlight was taking the mules to the fair and driving in front of the grandstand, then sitting by the mule stalls enjoying coffee with anyone and everyone.
They traveled extensively in their motorhome, logging over 300,000 miles together.
They were snowbirds in Arizona for 17 years and made friends from all over the country.
They fished together, Ray driving the boat and Gert baiting the hooks.
They loved others – together.
Gert loved her three sons with an unconditional love, often forgiving (and boy did they give her opportunity to forgive).
As her sons grew up and married, she embraced their spouses as if they were her own children.
When she became a grandma at age 37, she just expanded her circle of love.
Gert attended Second Christian Reformed Church her entire married life.
Together Ray and Gert hosted many Bible studies at their home.
Together they went every Friday to visit elderly people who were unable to attend Church.
Together they loved those who needed just a little extra love.
Ebenezer Christian School was near and dear to Gert’s heart. Together, they helped put on an annual golf tournament for 21 years in a row.
Gert was so organized and detailed. She kept a diary for over 20 years and was well known as the Farkle score keeper.
Gert was a humble servant who was so wonderful at extending hospitality.
She made so much coffee, so many loaves of bread and so many meals that her hands and feet were tired and sore. But now she is blessed to be in the arms of Jesus. Praise God.
Gert is survived by her loving husband, Ray and their three sons, spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Marv and Linda and their children Kevin (Kori), Kristi (Justin) and Klayton (Jessica); Larry and DeeDee and their children Kyle (Kara), Kory (Whitney) and Kayla (Devon); and Rod and Sharon and their children Alison (Kyle), Ashton (Ryan), Amber (Jon) and Alexa.
Gert is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren, brothers Henry (Marge) Hoekstra and Dennis (Pat) Hoekstra, sisters Julia (Durwyn) Plagerman and Evelyn (Stan) Vander Veen, and sister-in-law Glenda Hoekstra.
Gert was predeceased by her parents Metske and Florence Hoekstra and brothers Melvin and Frank.
For anyone wishing to honor Gert with a memorial gift, the family would suggest Ebenezer Christian School and/or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 520 Pike Street, #1075, Seattle, WA 98101.
A graveside committal was held Saturday, Oct. 8 in Monumenta Cemetery, and a memorial service at was also held on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Sonlight Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Ben deRegt officiating.
A humble loving servant – the hands and feet of Jesus.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral home and Cremation Services.
