Gertrude "Gert" Bulthuis

Gertrude Jeanette Bulthuis (Veldhuizen), lovingly known as "Gert," passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, surrounded by her family, she was 92. Her funeral service will be 10:00 am, Saturday, January 18 at First Reformed Church in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Roseland Reformed Cemetery. In honor of a full life, filled with love and care for others, memorials can be made to the Bethesda Activities Department. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org
Born August 23, 1932, to Anton and Freida Veldhuizen (Plumhoff), Gert was the third of six children. At just 11 years old, her caring spirit began to shine when the loss of her mother required her to step into a nurturing role for her siblings. Childhood friends turned high school sweethearts, Gert married Bernard "Buzz" Bulthuis on December 17, 1954, at Roseland Reformed Church. Their partnership flourished through nearly seven decades of marriage, marked by unwavering devotion to one another, their family, and their shared faith.
Gert's work life spanned a variety of roles over the years; secretary, bookkeeper, and office manager for schools, churches, and businesses, including West Central Wheel and Body, that she owned with her husband Buzz. However, the role that brought her greatest joy was that of wife, mother, and grandmother. Gert was an accomplished seamstress, sewing everything from wedding dresses to Barbie clothes, her hands brought beauty and care to every project. Her quilts, cherished by her grandchildren and honored with local and state awards, reflected her meticulous skill and deep love for her family. Gert had a gift for hospitality, her home was always filled with warmth, inspired meals, and fun for family and friends alike. She enjoyed puzzles and games of all kinds. A committed servant of Christ, Gert volunteered throughout the Willmar community and served in many roles at Willmar First Reformed Church, where her faith and joyful spirit were constants.
Gert's legacy is one of kindness, faith, and boundless love. Known for her radiant smile and heartfelt embrace, she touched countless lives, leaving an indelible impact on all who knew her.
Gert is survived by her sons and daughter, Randy (Dori) Bulthuis, Rick (Kris) Bulthuis and Renae (Danny) VanBuren; grandchildren: Melissa (Chad) Dahlberg, Jordan (Corina) Bulthuis, Heather (Adam) Ruplinger, Ashley (Kelly) Meslow, Janna (Brian) Punt, Derrick (Jessica) Bulthuis, Jory, Kaden, Trenton and Jaycie Bulthuis; great-grandchildren: Grace Dahlberg, Braden and Gavin Bulthuis, AJ Olson (fiancée, Jordan Hawkins), Carter and MacKenzie Ruplinger, Paisley, Jersey and Grey Meslow, Blake, Wyatt and Brooklyn Punt, and Maya, Brynli and Grayson Bulthuis. Also surviving are her sisters, Lois Grussing, and Verla (Jerry) Meyer, and brother, Carl (Joan) Veldhuizen; sister-in-law, Jennie Mae Wubben; brother-in-law, George Poppen and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Buzz, and son Ross Jon Bulthuis; parents; brothers: John (Joan) and Harvey (Ardys) Veldhuizen; brothers-in-law: Norman Grussing, John (Nellie) Bulthuis, Claude (Annie) Bulthuis and Henry (Leona) Bulthuis, Andrew Wubben, and sister-in-law, Emily Poppen.
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