Gertrude J. Wren

Gertrude was born on March 17, 1931, in Negaunee, daughter of the late Paul and Hilma (Siik) Helgren. She was raised in Negaunee and was a 1949 graduate of Negaunee High School.

Gertrude, who went by Gertie, lived a long and exciting life. During and after high school, Gertie was well known for her participation in the Negaunee skating club and was crowned the Negaunee skating club’s winter queen in 1950. Gertie went on to work with several construction companies providing clerical services.

She lived in several places during her life from Canada to California and back to Michigan. She loved to travel to Canada to see friends and go boating and fishing with her late husband, Ivan, on Lake Huron. While at home, Gertie loved to find new recipes to cook and enjoyed spending her time in the kitchen. Gertie also loved knitting and crocheting; making things for herself, daughter and granddaughter. She loved taking trips to the local casino for lunch and a few runs at the penny slots. Gertie was a social butterfly and loved getting together with family and friends anytime possible.

In her later years in life, Gertie enjoyed spending time with her special friend Stub. Her and Stub would take rides on his side by side and enjoyed the weather. Gertie also enjoyed driving her royal blue Cadillac around town. Gertie was loved by so many and will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her children, Terry Haefs of Norway and Pam Stetson of Norway; four grandchildren, Dan Haefs of Chicago, John Haefs of Vulcan, Ashley Stetson of Fredericksburg, Va. and Keri Jo Brown of Sun Prairie, Wis.; three great-grandchildren and a special friend, Lawrence “Stub” Tatrow.

In addition to her parents, Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan in 2011 and brother, Francis Helgren.

Private family services are being held. Rev. Paul Strom is officiating.

Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences to the family of Gertrude Wren may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.