Gertie Fletcher passed away unexpectedly October 16, 2012 surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born Gertie Aileen Iverson to Thomas and Hazel Iverson on May 15, 1923 in Potter, Nebraska. Potter is where Gertie spent her childhood with her brothers, Floyd and Charles(Chuck) and sister Betty. Her father, Thomas was the marshal and school bus driver for the one room schoolhouse in their town. Gertie attended school in Potter through twelfth grade where she played shortstop and left field on the girls’ softball team, and was also involved in Campfire Girls, choir and her 4-H club.
In 1942, she met the love of her life Wayne W. Fletcher, Jr. at a dance in Nebraska and after a brief courtship they were married on April 21, 1942. Gertie and Wayne moved to Seattle and it was there that Wayne built their first home and they raised their four children Kenneth(Ken), Kathleen(Kathy), Wesley(Wes), and Janine (Jeannie).
Upon retirement, Gertie and Wayne bought property in Winthrop, WA where they spent many years living the country life and became active community members of the town. Wayne continued building and you could find Gertie working in the store serving ice cream or preparing for the many visitors they would host over the years in their home. 34 years later, the legacy of Wayne and Gertie still remain in the hearts of The General Store employees and longtime Winthrop residents, where her grandchildren, Kara and Ian, continue to visit each year.
In 1985 wanting to be close to family, Gertie and Wayne purchased a condo in North Seattle where Gertie currently lived. During her time there she served as the board president, as well as many other positions and was known and loved by all who knew her. She has been actively involved at Lake City Presbyterian Church for nearly 70 years, serving in many different aspects, from preparing food for various occasions, member of the women’s association, former deacon, setting up rummage sales, food bank, knitting hats and lap blankets and wherever else she was needed.
Gertie was an avid bowler and belonged to different leagues over the years where she competed and received several trophies for her high scores. She still belonged to a bowling team and maintained an exceptional average. A long time Mariner’s fan, Gertie enjoyed watching and attending the games and always had plenty of advice to offer. Knitting was another passion of hers and every grandchild has received an afghan, hat or scarf at some point in time.
Family was very important to Gertie. She was a devoted mother to Ken(Carolyn), Kathy(Bob), Wes and Janine, grandmother to Lori(Dick), Todd (Kellee), Kristina(Jim), Kara(Ian), Leah(Jim), Jason(Tanya), and Rachel (Shawn) and great-grandmother to Niki and Ryan(Lori), TJ, Jackson, Serene, Chloe, Alivia, and Marcus(Todd), Jacob and Nicholas(Kristina), George(Leah), Max(Jason), Lily and Landon(Rachel).
She was actively involved in her family’s lives, attending family gatherings, great-grandchildren’s events, birthdays, and holiday dinners. She was well known at family dinners for her deviled eggs, potato salad, vegetable trays, apple and pumpkin pies, and Christmas cookies. Gertie was also well known for her spunky and feisty Norwegian personality. You could always rely on her sound advice and opinions.
Gertie was a loyal and devoted friend to so many. She met regularly with her group of friends for coffee, lunches and other outings. Gertie was also the main driver of her group and made sure her friends had rides to various appointments, outings and to church!
Gertie lived an amazing life in her 89 years so full of many wonderful memories, happy, healthy and active right up to the very end. She has touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to have known her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Harborview Trauma Center Fund and/ or Lake City Presbyterian Church:
Lake City Presbyterian Church
"In Memory of Gertie Fletcher"
3841 Northeast 123rd Street, Seattle, WA 98125
206-362-6878
or
Harborview Trauma Center Fund: To provide unrestricted funding for those departments and programs involved with injured patient care, services, and minor equipment and waiting room improvements. The Trauma Center Fund exists to focus on small but vital needs not covered by operating funds.
Mail donation to: UW Foundation Gift Processing
C/O Harborview Trauma Center Fund
"In Memory of Gertie Fletcher"
Box 359505, Seattle, WA 98195-9505
Toll free 1.866.UW.GIFTS
Thank you for the memories, Mother, Grandma, Gertie. We love you.
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