Getrude Jean Kayser

Gertrude Jean Kayser, 94, of Michigan City passed away on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, in La Porte.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Root Funeral Home. Viewing will be held on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Gertrude was born July 24, 2023, in Michigan City to the late Harvey and Irene (Striebel) Andrews.

In 1953, she married Clarence Johnson, who passed away in 1962. They had four children. In 1970, she married Eric Richard Kayser, who preceded her in death in 2006. They had one child.

Surviving Gertrude are her children Wayne Johnson, Carol (Steven) Nowatzke, Julie Johnson and Erica Kayser; one stepson, Randy (Dora Mae) Kayser; 11 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and many loving extended family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by one son, David Johnson.

In 1946, she graduated from Elston High School in Michigan City, Indiana. As a young adult, her family belonged to Michiana Riding Stables. She owned her own horse named Smokey, and talked about her rides and Smokey to this day.

She was a 50-year member of the Women of the Moose Chapter 935. She was involved with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and she was a 4-H Leader. Her favorite activity was bowling, which she started when she was 18, and continued into her later years.

She loved all animals. She loved to travel and even walked the length of Mackinac Bridge. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.