Gertrude   Kraker

Kraker, Gertrude Gertrude Kraker, 90, passed into the presence of her Savior on Saturday morning, January 10, 2015, with her children at her bedside. She was born on March 31, 1924, the first child of Marinus and Martha (Weenum) Talsma. She was later joined by 5 wonderful brothers and sisters. Gert grew up on the family farm in Borculo. During World War II Gert worked in a defense plant and married Alfred Kraker in 1945, when he returned from military service overseas. They had a son and daughter and enjoyed raising a family and living in West Michigan. In their later years, they traveled extensively across the United States and Canada. Gert and Al enjoyed 57 years of marriage until Alfred's death in 2002. Gert lived for almost 70 years in Allendale in several homes on the same street. She enjoyed many friendships. Gert was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be fondly remembered by her family and all who knew her. Gert was a life-long member of the Christian Reformed Church. She was very thankful for the many members of her church, family and others, who provided transportation to her dialysis treatments. The family is especially thankful to nephew, Jerry Harmsen, for coordinating the drivers and his other acts of kindness on Gert's behalf. The family wishes to also express its appreciation to the caring staff at Providence Healthcare.  Gert was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Marian Schrotenboer; brother, Ernest Talsma; grandson, Adam Kraker; and in-laws Harvey Jongekrijg, George and Mildred Harmsen, Howard and Janet Harmsen, Delia Geurink, and Bern and Pat Kraker. Gert is survived by her son, Randall (Catherine) Kraker of Grandville; and her daughter, Marylynn Marsman of Grand Haven; her grandchildren, Andrew Kraker, Matthew Kraker, Heather (Hod) Hefer, and Heath (Danielle) Marsman; and great-grandchildren, Gianni and Jade Gonzalez, Sarea, Eitan, Amaya and Meira Hefer, and Lillie, Allie, and Julie Marsman. She is also survived by her sisters, Jenny Jongekrijg of Zeeland and Betty (Art) Van Order of Borculo; brother, Jerry (Jeanne) Talsma of Borculo; and in-laws, Anna Mae Talsma of Holland and Gord Geurink of Gun Lake. Funeral services will be held Thursday 11 am First Allendale Christian Reformed Church, 5743 Country View, Allendale with Rev. Tim Howerzyl officiating.  Gertrude will be interred next to her late husband, Alfred, at the Allendale Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf (corner of Avery and Scott) 6651 Scott St., Allendale.