Gertrude Pearl Koepp, 85, former Marquette area and Gladstone resident, entered eternal life Friday morning, July 15, 2005, at the Tendercare Health Center in Munising, where she had resided since 1997.

Born March 9, 1920 in Hillsboro, a daughter of Roy and Dora (Sorell) Staggs, Gert was raised in Shingleton. In 1936 she married Edward G. Koepp and, soon after, the couple established their home on Mangum Road in the Beaver Grove area. They resided at Mangum for over 48 years, raising their family. During this time, Edward worked for Consolidated Lumber and Gert was employed in the kitchen department of the former St. Mary’s Hospital for many years. In 1979, with their children grown, the couple moved to Midway Drive in Negaunee Township. Prior to residing at Tendercare, Gert lived in Gladstone with her son, Dale. Gert enjoyed raising her family, cooking, and sewing.

Survivors include:

Her children, Raymond Koepp residing in Texas, Garland (Jill) Koepp of Arlington, WA, Shirley Herold of Renton, WA, Jerry (Barb) Koepp of DesMoines, IA, and Dale (Tammy) Koepp of Gladstone

Twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren

A sister, Dolly Waters residing in Georgia.

Gert was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward in 1989; a son, Robert Koepp in 1969; a granddaughter, Kathryn Herold in 1992; and several brothers and sisters.

Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 20, beginning at 5:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 pm Wednesday evening in the funeral home with Rev. Leon Jarvis, Marquette General Hospital chaplain, officiating. Burial will be made in the Northland Chapel Gardens.