Gertrude Lauritzen

Geertruida “Trudy” Philippo (January 18, 1937 — February 20, 2026) was born to Augustinus and Niesje Philippo and raised on her family’s dairy farm in Woerden, Holland. The youngest of four children—John, Kees, Rie, and Trudy—she was born with polio and endured many surgeries throughout her life. From an early age she learned the value of hard work, hospitality, and service as she helped her mother with cooking, canning, and caring for the home.

Trudy often recalled a happy childhood—surrounded by cows, pigs, chickens, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Bread was baked each morning, cheese was made by hand, and anyone who stopped by was fed. During the war years their farm was taken over by German forces, and Trudy and her sister Rie often began the day by making platters of sandwiches for military men and women and others who had no food. She lived across the street from the Rhine River, which she fondly called her “swimming pool.”

In 1955 the family sold what remained of the farm and immigrated to Escondido, California. Trudy married Bastiaan (Bas) Verwey in 1956; together they built a life rooted in family and dairy farming and welcomed three children: Malinda Theodora, John Bastian, and Philip August. In 1965 Bas and Trudy purchased 86 cows and moved to a dairy on Walnut Avenue in Fresno. A few years later they relocated to a larger dairy on East Avenue, expanding to about 200 cows, and in 1972 they bought a dairy in Kerman, where they eventually settled. Bas and Trudy’s marriage ended after 25 years.

On April 30, 1982, Trudy married George Lauritzen. They shared 39 years together until George’s death in 2021 at age 94. After his passing, Trudy moved to Arizona to be closer to her daughter Malinda, where she met and later married Wayne Funk. Following Wayne’s death after two and a half years, Trudy returned to California to be nearer family.

Trudy’s deepest passion was the Lord and the blessings He provided through her children. Her faith shaped everything she did—she was quick to make soup for anyone who was sick or in need and had a remarkable way of loving others with servant-heartyed, undivided attention. Proudly “Dutch clean,” she kept an immaculate home and worked tirelessly for her family, her business, her church, and anyone who needed help. Though she lived with lifelong pain from childhood polio, she continually drew strength from the Lord and openly declared His faithfulness.

Trudy peacefully passed away in Fresno, California, on February 20, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by a few of her closest friends and family. She is survived by her children Malinda (Linda) Pedigo, John and Ann Verwey, and Philip Verwey; seven grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Most of all, she longed to be in the presence of her Savior. In that hope, her family finds comfort, trusting that when she finally saw Him face to face she heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Celebration of lie service will be held at Fresno Christian Reformed Church, 1639 W. Shields Ave, Fresno, CA 93705.