Gertrude I. Beckstrom

Mrs. Gertrude I. Beckstrom, age 86, passed away Thursday evening, October 2, 2008. Mrs. Beckstrom was born March 28, 1922 to Frank and Kathryn (Pranger) Gelderloos in Muskegon and had been a lifelong resident. On April 11, 1942 she married F. Irving Beckstrom, and he preceded her in death on August 16, 1984. She was employed as a machinist and inspector at Sealed Power/Hy-Lift for 29 years before retiring in 1982. Mrs. Beckstrom was a lifetime member of Fellowship Reformed Church where she received a certificate of ordination as an elder from the Reformed Classis. She was also a member of the Mission Guild and the Women's Republican Party. She liked to travel and had been to Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii. She also enjoyed outdoor sports and fishing with her special friend, Jack Hosko. Mrs. Beckstrom is survived by her children, Shirlyn "Becky" (David) Hasselman, Brent (Diane) Beckstrom, and Knute (Cheryll) Beckstrom, all of Muskegon; 6 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Francis and Henry Gelderloos and sister, Kathleen Wilder. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11 AM Monday, October 6, 2008 at Fellowship Reformed Church, 4200 Apple Ave., with Rev. Jerry Worrel officiating. Interment will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. VISITATION will be held 4 - 7 PM Sunday at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Avenue 231 726-5210 and 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice or Fellowship Reformed Church.