Donna Gertz

Donna M. Gertz, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and servant to all who knew her, joined Jesus in paradise July 3, 2018.

Donna Mae Gertz was born January 19,1927 to Lyman and Anna Brooks in Luverne Minnesota.  She grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota with 9 siblings.  In her early years, Donna was a bit of a tomboy who also loved all sorts of animals.  Donna loved the numerous dogs and cats that called the farm their home but she also had a number of unusual pets including a skunk, a fox and a pigeon.

In September of 1947, Donna married Robert Gertz, the boy who lived on a farm just down the road.  Donna and Robert made their home in Magnolia, Minnesota before moving to West Fargo in 1957.  Donna was active in her church where she perfected floral arrangements for the worship service for over 40 years as well as singing in the choir.  Aside from caring for her children, Donna loved working in the yard, she particularly enjoyed her apricot trees and the making jams.  Donna was widowed at an early age when Robert died in a truck accident in 1969. As much of Donna's time was devoted to raising her family, she still made time for others. Donna was a den mother, served in the VFW Auxiliary, volunteered at the VA, Salvation Army and Humane Society.   She was part of the maintenance staff at West Acres Shopping Center for 20 years.

Donna loved dancing, playing pool and baking.  She also loved playing cards and on cold winter nights taught the neighborhood boys how to play pinochle.  Donna's legacy was that of a service to her family, church, community and country.  We are all grateful for her many sacrifices.

Donna is survived by her 5 children:  Larry (Stephanie), Bigfork, MT, Stephen (Linda), Minot, ND, Susan Gertz, Mooreton, ND, Debora Olson, West Fargo, ND, Thomas (Pamela), West Fargo, ND;  10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; a brother Orville Brooks, Burnsville, MN, and a sister Barbara Hinz, Luverne, MN. 

Preceding Donna in death was her husband Robert D. Gertz, and 7 siblings.

Visitation:   5PM – 7PM on Thursday, July 5, 2018, with a Prayer Service held at 7PM, all in West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center, West Fargo

Funeral Service:     Friday at 10AM in Community Presbyterian Church, West Fargo

Burial:    Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne,  MN on Friday at 4:30PM

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center, West Fargo and Casselton, ND

westfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Gertz, please visit our floral store.