Gertrude J. Vandewalle
January 6, 1920 — November 11, 2017
On November 11, 2017, an amazing lady, Gertrude VanDeWalle, left this world to join her beloved husband, Raymond, in the presence of her best friend and daughter, Joanne, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
Gertrude “Gertie” VanDeWalle, born January 6, 1920, was the second of two daughters born to Mildred and Ross Jordon in Mishawaka, the community where she spent her entire life. At the age of 3 ½ she survived a terrible fire with extensive burns. Never one to feel sorry for herself or give up, her determination was cemented!
Gertie and her mother owned and operated Mildred’s Beauty Shop on 1st Street in Mishawaka for 40 years. Gertie also was the hairdresser for Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home for many years.
On August 29, 1938, Gertie married the love of her life, Raymond VanDeWalle and he preceded her in death in 1980. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Alverda Hitzeman and twin infant sons.
Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Barbara (Norbert) Turczynski of New Carlisle and Joanne VanDeWalle of Mishawaka; four grandchildren, John Green, Cheryl Babcock, Susan Kulczar and Mary Beth Huff; ten great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Gertie loved Notre Dame Football and her ND dammit doll, trips to Las Vegas with her mom and daughters and later to area casinos. She loved the VanDeWalle women’s luncheons until recent years. At one time she was a member of the Auxiliary of the Eagle’s in Mishawaka. Gertie enjoyed crocheting, sewing and cooking, especially preparing family dinners. She called things as she saw them but never at others expense. Her sense of humor was infectious and was often accompanied by a twinkle in her eye.
Services will be held Wednesday, November 15, at 12 noon in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, with Pastor Bob Vale officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorials Gardens, Osceola.
Visitation is Wednesday from 10 am to 12 noon in the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice.
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