February 28, 1923 – May 8, 2018
Gertrude was born in Hull, Iowa, to John and Hattie De Groot. She was the fifth of six children. Her mother passed when Gertrude was 10 years old. After the passing of Gertrude’s mother, her father and family moved to a farm seven miles west of Sioux Center, Iowa, belonging to her grandmother Sandbulte. When Gertrude was a teenager, her family moved to a 40-acre farm three miles east of Sioux Center near Sandy Hollow.
On Dec 4, 1942, Gertrude married Edward Voortman in Artesia, California. They farmed near Sioux Center for three years. They had their first child, Lois Faye in 1943. In 1946, they moved to a farm near Carmel. After a few years, Edward wanted to move to California. Their second child, Edwin John, was born in November of 1951. In January of 1952, Edward and Gertrude moved their family to California and bought a chicken ranch on Park Street in Bellflower. They lived there until 1963 when the State bought their land for a freeway. They moved to Chino. In January of 1964, Edward and Gertrude welcomed their third child, Gary Duane.
Gertrude lived in the Chino-Ontario area for over 60 years. She has 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 8 great great-grandchildren. She was a member of Chino Valley Reformed Church. Gertrude is preceded in death by her late husband, Edward Voortman, and one granddaughter, Lisa Voortman.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Inland Christian Home or Ontario Christian School.
