Gertrude Tjeerdsma, 86, of Springfield

Funeral services are 10:30 AM, Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Burial is in the Emanuel Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM, with the family present from 6 to 7, followed by a Prayer Service at 7 PM.

Gertrude Tjeerdsma was born January 7, 1925 in rural Springfield, the daughter of Bokke and Tryntje (Westra) Boersma. She died Saturday, October 8, 2011 at the Sanford Vermillion Hospital in Vermillion. Gertrude attained the age of 86 years, nine months and a day.

She received her education at the rural Perkins School.

Gertrude made confession of faith on October 9, 1943 in the Emmanuel Reformed Church. Her favorite scripture was Chapter 55 of Isaiah.

Before her marriage, Gertrude worked at the rural Perkins Store.

She married Orvan Tjeerdsma on March 22, 1949 at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in the country. Together they farmed south of Avon until December of 1996, when they moved into Springfield.

She is survived by her four sons: Randel (Barb) of Yankton; Keith (Jill) of Sergeant Bluff, IA; Wayne (Shari) of Avon; and Larry (Dwan) of Elkton; three daughters: Jean Brown of Vermillion; Marilyn (Duane) Feekes of Orange City, IA; and Lois (Greg) Siewert of Sioux Falls; 19 grandchildren; three great grandchilderen; one sister, Jessie (Glenn) Heusinkveld of Springfield; sister-in-law Jessie Boersma of Springfield; and sister-in-law Luree Boersma of Yankton.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband; son-in-law, Wayne Brown; one grandson, Nathan Tjeerdsma; and two brothers: Case and Renze Boersma.