Gertrud Pangborn's Obituary
Big Rapids - Gertrud (Muller) Pangborn, 90, of Big Rapids, left her earthly home to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, March 15, 2018.
Gertrud (Gerti) was born on December 30, 1927 to Josef and Maria (Kehrer) Müller in Mannheim, Germany. She met and married Virgil (Bill) Pangborn while he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. While living in Germany their daughter Diana was born. In 1952 the family moved to Cedar Lake, MI. Their son Harry (Butch) was born three years later in Edmore.
In 1967, the family settled in Stanwood. There they opened "Pangborn Woodstoves" where Gerti worked in sales for almost 20 years. They also purchased and ran the Stanwood Market for 10 years. Gerti and Bill enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, down to Mexico and back to Germany. Gerti was an excellent cook and often enjoyed lunching with her fellow "German Ladies."
Gerti was an active member of the Stanwood Free Methodist Church where she organized funeral luncheons. Most recently she attended First United Methodist Church of Big Rapids until her health failed.
Preceding her in death are her parents and brother Rudi. Her son Butch passed away in 1987 and less than a year later her husband Bill also passed.
Gerti was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Diana (Ron) Bongard of Stanwood; her granddaughters Heidi (Russell) Speese, Kara (Travis) Kizer, Amanda (Adam) Rogalski and Patti Pangborn (James Yates), daughter-in-law Alice (Kevin) Free; six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Gerti's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Evergreen Terrace where she received excellent care for the past six years.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, with Rev. Rebecca Morrison officiating. Interment will be in the Stanwood Cemetery. Gerti's family will greet friends on Friday, March 23 from 6-8 p.m. at Mohnke Funeral Home, and after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Gertrud's name to Hospice of Michigan or Life Resources of Northern Michigan.
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