Joyce Evalyn Gertsen

Columbus Grove - Joyce Evalyn Gertsen, 76, went to be with her Lord at 4:55 p.m. Nov. 26, 2009 at the Meadows of Kalida.

She was born Aug. 17, 1933 near Garden City, S.D. to John H. and Vida Belle Woodland Nielsen, who preceded her in death. She was married on Aug. 6, 1950 to Donald N. Gertsen, who preceded her in death on Jan. 5, 2007.

Mrs. Gertsen was a member of the former United Church of Christ, Columbus Grove. She was a homemaker, but had worked for several years at the Black Angus in Kalida and Kenny’s Lunch in Columbus Grove. She was a wonderful and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and was a fantastic cook. She was very creative, full of life, and she loved music. For many years she bowled on different teams and along with Jean and Emma (her sister and sister-in-law), was a charter member of their own “Mothers Club.” She was active with Brownie and Girl Scouting for many years. She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. Peace be with you, mom.

Survivors include: two daughters, Connie (Dan) Hilty, of Duncan Falls, Roxanne Antoine, of Ottawa; three sons, Rodney (Elaine) Gertsen, of Cairo, Michael (Bonnie) Gertsen, of Columbus Grove, Jeffery (Nancy) Gertsen, of Columbus Grove; 15 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Margie Gertsen, of Watertown, S.D.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving is her beloved cat, Blackie.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Arvilla “Billie” Nielsen, Frances “Jean” Wood; a brother, John Nielsen; brother-in-law, Ralph Wood; sister-in-law, Emma Nielsen; and brothers-in-law, Claire, Marshall, and Dwight Gertsen.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove. Mr. Herb Wilker, Hospice Chaplain with St. Rita’s Medical Center, will officiate.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita’s Hospice, Putnam Pet Pals in care of Cherie Newman, 9742 State Route 65, Ottawa, OH 45875 or the Columbus Grove branch of the Putnam County Library.