Gertrude M. Buikema, 98, of Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, IL, died Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Resthave.
Gerturde was born March 31, 1926, in Fulton, IL, to Claus and Hilda (Haan) Tiesman. She was educated in several of the local rural grade schools. On December 28, 1944, she married Marion Buikema in Fulton. He died on September 11, 2008. Gert had worked at General Electric Appliance Control Department in Morrison until her retirement in 1991. She also farmed alongside her husband in the rural Fulton area for many years. She loved to entertain for the holidays and was a generous host, always ensuring everyone had a gift. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren. Gert’s infectious smile and famous lemon meringue pies will be missed by everyone.
Survivors include her daughters, Shirley (Arlyn) Schroeder of Morrison and Sharon (Mark) Morris of Dixon, IL; eight grandchildren, Deborah (Eric) Wallace, Deanna (Paul Fashingbauer) Thompson, Julie Schroeder, Jill (Jason) Smith, Steve (Ani) Drolema, Kristy (Marvin) VanderWiel, Jamie (Angela) Drolema, Stacey (Tim Villa) Decker; two step-grandchildren, Adam Morris and Ryan Morris; 13 great-grandchildren; four stepgreat grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; three stepgreat-great grandchildren; brothers, Ron Tiesman of Sterling, IL, and Harlan (Diana) Tiesman of Huntley, IL.
Gert was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandy Schipper; grandson, Mark Drolema; sister Jeanette Hook; brothers, Harold, John H., Tom, Claus, Robert W., and Kenny Tiesman.
A Aisitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Her Funeral service will follow the visitation, starting at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Luke Schouten, Pastor at Emmanuel Church in Morrison, IL.
Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
A memorial to Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, IL, has been established.