Verna Mae E. Gertsch

Gertsch, Verna Mae E.
Nee: Rieckmann

Verna Mae Gertsch, age 82, died unexpectedly Thursday, January 14, 2010 at Rennes Health Center. Verna Mae was born on February 3, 1927 to the late Herbert and Ella (Lenz) Rieckmann, Sr. in Dale, Wisconsin. She married Kenneth Gertsch on June 30, 1950 in Dale. He preceded her in death on November 28, 1996. She was further preceded in death by father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Emma (Niemuth) Gertsch, Sr.; sister-in-law, Phyllis Rieckmann, brother and sister-in-law: Ralph and Evelyn Gertsch, Jr.; brother-in-law, Keith Smith; nephew, Jon Rieckmann, and niece, Colleen Smith. Verna Mae “Ricky” was a graduate of the class of 1944 from New London High School. After high school, she was employed by Aid Association for Lutherans. Verna Mae was an avid bowler for many years participating in leagues at Hahn's Lanes and 41 Bowl in Appleton. She was a faithful member of Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church of Appleton. Verna Mae served in several capacities on the funeral committee and Ladies Aid for many years and was a long time choir member. She also served in several capacities with the local chapter of the Valparaiso University Guild. Survivors include two sons: Stephen (Cathy) Gertsch of Prescott Valley, AZ; Kevin (Debbie) Gertsch of Appleton; granddaughters: Robyn Gertsch (fiancé Scott Albright) of Oshkosh, Becky Gertsch of Appleton; sister, Carol Jean Smith of Appleton; brothers: Harold (Lynn) Rieckmann of New London and Herbert (Kathy) Rieckmann Jr. of Fremont; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service for Verna Mae will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 18, 2010 at MOUNT OLIVE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 930 E. Florida Avenue, Appleton, with the Rev. Robert Raasch officiating. Friends will be received for visitation at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 17, 2010 at the Wichmann Funeral Home and again on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any memorial be directed to Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church in her name.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the staff of Rennes Health Center, the Renaissance Assisted Living, and Thedacare at Home for the high level of care given to Verna Mae. A special thanks to her close friends who helped her out at all hours of the day and night when she lived at home.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 739-1231