1933
2012
Gertrude M. (Johnson) Belsvik, "Gertie" from Twig, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2012, surrounded by family. She was born on June 1, 1933 in Duluth, MN. Gertie was the oldest child of Henry and Helen (Caster, Downs) Johnson. She graduated from Proctor High School in 1951. She was a member of the high school marching band, which traveled extensively with the direction of the infamous Mr. Moody. She was also involved in the class plays and vaudeville performances. Gertie had many alias' during her life time such as "The Drapery Lady," the Director of Grandma's Spaghetti Feed, Johnny's Accordion Auxiliary President, Boy Scout Leader, Mom by her six fantastic children, and Ahma by many, especially her four delightful grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and many others.
Gertie was highly involved in the community. She valued her time spent with the women in a bible study at Fond du Lac Community Church; she also enjoyed being involved with Kinfolk and The Sunshine Club. From 1987 to 2007, she embraced the opportunity as one of the majorettes in Mr. Moody's Marching Band. This brought her a lot of enjoyment and many good friends. Family was very important to Gertie. She had a knack for finding the talents within her children and drawing them out to be their very best. She traveled the world making an impact every step of the way. She was tenacious and resilient; giving of herself and always thinking of others. Gertie's door was always open and she made everyone feel welcome. She never knew a stranger.
Survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Henry D. Belsvik; daughters, Nancy (Brian) Peterson; Donna Smith and Susan Belsvik; sons, Scott (Robyn) Belsvik, Steve Belsvik and Randy Belsvik; grandchildren, Dan Smith, O'Neill (David) Whelan, Benjamin (Abbey) Peterson and Adam (Rachel) Peterson; great grandchildren, Jack and Lola Whelan; brother, Roger Johnson and special family friend, Jan Gnotta; uncles, Rodney and Robert Caster; aunts, Frances and Geraldine Caster; cousins, Joan Sandy, Warren Knutsen, Dennis Ritchie, Warren Ritchie, Judy Knutson, Linda Mullins, Gayle Belland McConnell, Special friends, Jan Jacobson and Jo Schwerm. Also survived by nieces and nephews and many special friends.
Gertie is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Helen Johnson; grandparents, as well as many aunts and uncles.
Gertie's supportive, giving spirit will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched. Visitation, Thursday, January 12, from 6PM to 8PM at Bell Brothers Funeral Home, 601 N. 56th Ave. W.; visitation to continue prior to service at the church on Friday, January 13 at 10AM; Funeral Service 11AM at Zion Lutheran Church, 2431 West 3rd Street, interment to follow at Oneota Cemetery.
Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Home.
Please leave a memory or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 30, 2016
Friend
Rebecca Wingness
January 14, 2012
Dear Dale and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.Gert meant so much to us all.
We will have a special ceremony celebrating her life, together with Roger, Cathy, Bob and Kay Dahl in the fern grotto on Kauai.
Joanne and John Cook
Sent from my iPhone
January 13, 2012
John & Nancy Peyton
We're sending long-distance prayers and hugs to you, Dale and Susan, and to your entire family. May God wrap you all in His gentle embrace and hold you close.
January 12, 2012
Dale, my heart and prayers are with you at this time. As you know, I had hoped to be able to come, but weather forced me to stay here in Iowa. I am so fortunate to have had such a wonderful friend as Gert. ---- Shirley
January 11, 2012
Geratie was my beloved sister-in-law. She was always so giving and uplifting and I will miss her wonderful humor and loving ways.
June, Belsvik, Sucher
January 11, 2012
My "Auntie Gertie"
I will always remember you singing (and think of you when I hear) the song "you are my sunshine"; the advice to "never go out without your makeup, even to the grocery store - you never know who you might meet"; how you scared the "stuffing" out of me when you explained how to pull out a tooth (involved a string, a door and a quick movement !); but mostly how you treated others daily in your gracious, vivacious, thankful, humble and respectful manner. I have gained and been blessed so much by having you as an aunt - I will miss you dearly. Becky
P.S - Thank you for some incredibly awesome cousins !!
January 11, 2012
So sorry to hear of the loss of Gertie - she was involved with the Band Parents Auxiliary at the same time as my folks. Those were great years! We just lost dad (Virgil Olson) on December 6th, so i know the pain and sorrow you are suffering - my heart goes out to you all. We won't be able to get up to Duluth for the funeral, but please know you are in our thoughts.
Nancy (Olson) Einertson
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