Gertrude "Trudy" J. Kerzek

Gertrude “Trudy” Kerzek, 92, of Mt. Prospect, passed away on February 6 at Symphony Buffalo Grove Nursing Home. She is survived by her cherished daughters, Karen and Sue; nephew, Larry Fett; and many relatives from Sweden including nephew, Mikael Granstrom, who had visited Trudy several times over the years. An only child, she was preceded in death by her parents, Johan and Martha (Granstrom) Pettersson, her husband of 68 years, Roy Kerzek and sister-in-law Lorraine (late George) Fett.

Born June 20, 1930, Trudy was raised in Evanston, IL where she graduated from Evanston High School. Trudy and Roy were married in 1951 and moved to Des Plaines, IL in 1953. Twenty years later they moved to Mt. Prospect, IL where many friendships were formed with wonderful, loving neighbors and close friends made over their lifetimes. To this day, close Des Plaines childhood friends of Karen & Sue - Andy Krafthefer and Linda Honn have remained closely connected with Karen on a regular basis.

For years, Trudy sold Real Silk clothing door to door. In addition, she worked in sales for the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, and was best remembered for the substantial number of companies she brought in as members. Trudy was also active in local bowling leagues (River Rand Bowl, Striking Lanes & Thunderbird Lanes) and was proud to display her patches of achievement from each league over the years.

While living in Mt. Prospect, Trudy became active playing Bunco with the neighbor girls who loved and visited with her throughout her time there. She frequented Rolling Green Country Club for years of golfing and dining. She was Club Champion one year and regularly played bridge there with friends. She and her husband were also active members of the Elks Club, and vacationed frequently at the Kilworry Resort in Minnesota. Among all of Trudy’s activities, she will be remembered as a brilliant pastel pet artist.

Plans for a celebration of her life are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weinsteinfuneralhomes.com for the Kerzek family.