Gertie Harmina Kolpek

Gertie Harmina Kolpek, 91, of Grundy Center, Iowa passed away Saturday, September 22, 2012 at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at the Grundy Center United Methodist Church with Pastor Phil Dicks officiating. Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Visitation will be on Monday, September 24, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the family. Gertie was born December 5, 1920 near Kesley, IA to Gerrit and Harmka (Russman) Eilderts. She received an 8th grade education in country schools in Butler County. Gertie worked as a housekeeper and caregiver for several families. She was hired by Adolph Kolpek after he was widowed to "keep house" and assist in care of his two young daughters. Adolph and Gertie were married December 11, 1952. Together they had one daughter Lorna. Gertie had a very deep faith and was active in the church her entire life. She taught Sunday School in her younger years and volunteered many hours in the church, often in the church kitchen. She devoted her life to caring for her home and family and loved to cook and bake for others. She is survived by her daughter Lorna Barnes of Marion; two stepdaughters Susan Tessau and her husband Roy of Reinbeck and Cinda Jarstad and her husband Elwood of Decorah; five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren; and two sisters, Ruth Mulder of Dike and Marie Menken of Waverly. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Adolph on July 9, 2012; brothers George, Jerry, Steno and Edward: and sisters Tillie, Harmina, Elta and Bena.