Gertrude M. (Johnson) Belsvik, “Gertie” from Twig, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2012, surrounded by family. She was born on June 1, 1933 in Duluth, MN. Gertie was the oldest child of Henry and Helen (Caster, Downs) Johnson. She graduated from Proctor High School in 1951. She was a member of the high school marching band, which traveled extensively with the direction of the infamous Mr. Moody. She was also involved in the class plays and vaudeville performances. Gertie had many alias’ during her life time such as “The Drapery Lady,” the Director of Grandma’s Spaghetti Feed, Johnny’s Accordion Auxiliary President, Boy Scout Leader, Mom by her six fantastic children, and Ahma by many, especially her four delightful grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and many others.
Gertie was highly involved in the community. She valued her time spent with the women in a bible study at Fond du Lac Community Church; she also enjoyed being involved with Kinfolk and The Sunshine Club. From 1987 to 2007, she embraced the opportunity as one of the majorettes in Mr. Moody’s Marching Band. This brought her a lot of enjoyment and many good friends. Family was very important to Gertie. She had a knack for finding the talents within her children and drawing them out to be their very best. She traveled the world making an impact every step of the way. She was tenacious and resilient; giving of herself and always thinking of others. Gertie’s door was always open and she made everyone feel welcome. She never knew a stranger.
Survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Henry D. Belsvik; daughters, Nancy (Brian) Peterson; Donna Smith and Susan Belsvik; sons, Scott (Robyn) Belsvik, Steve Belsvik and Randy Belsvik; grandchildren, Dan Smith, O’Neill (David) Whelan, Benjamin (Abbey) Peterson and Adam (Rachel) Peterson; great grandchildren, Jack and Lola Whelan; brother, Roger Johnson and special family friend, Jan Gnotta; uncles, Rodney and Robert Caster; aunts, Frances and Geraldine Caster; cousins, Joan Sandy, Warren Knutsen, Dennis Ritchie, Warren Ritchie, Judy Knutson, Linda Mullins, Gayle Belland McConnell, Special friends, Jan Jacobson and Jo Schwerm. Also survived by nieces and nephews and many special friends.
Gertie is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Helen Johnson; grandparents, as well as many aunts and uncles.
Gertie’s supportive, giving spirit will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched. Visitation, Thursday, January 12, from 6PM to 8PM at Bell Brothers Funeral Home, 601 N. 56th Ave. W.; visitation to continue prior to service at the church on Friday, January 13 at 10AM; Funeral Service 11AM at Zion Lutheran Church, 2431 West 3rd Street, interment to follow at Oneota Cemetery.
Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Home.
Please leave a memory or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com
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