Gertrude M. Christophersen's Obituary
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15
In the early morning hours of Sunday, February 27, 2005, Gertrude Marie (Raftshol) Christophersen, age 93, closed her eyes and awakened in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born on February 19, 1912, in Suttons Bay, MI to Rev. Anders Johan & Maret (Waagbo) Raftshol. As the fifth of seven children, her life of faith was evident to all who were privileged to know her. On June 20, 1942, she married the love of her life, James W. Christophersen, M.D., who preceded her in death on June 28, 1982. Gertrude was a former school teacher, graduating from Michigan State Teacher’s College. She was also a homemaker, an active member of Forest Park Covenant Church, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Widows Agape. She marveled at the beauty and majesty of God’s creation and especially loved living on the shores of Lake Michigan. She is survived by her four children including 1 son, James (Janet) Christophersen of Dublin, OH, 3 daughters Nancy (Timothy) Graboski of Boca Raton, FL; Paula (Dr. Jack) Winn of Kentwood, MI, and Mary Ellen (Rev. Bryan) Kletzing of Chicago, IL. Gertrude’s life was richly blessed by her 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 sisters-in-law, Jennie Raftshol and Lois Raftshol, and many nieces and nephews. Gertrude was preceded in death by her siblings, Karl Raftshol, Marcella Boe, Anna McCulloch, Rudolph Raftshol, Kermit Raftshol, & Florence Christophersen. SERVICES will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Forest Park Covenant Church (3815 Henry St.) with Pastors Paul Bengtson and Bryan Kletzing officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery. VISITATION will be 2-4 & 7-9 PM, Friday at The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. 231-759-8565 and one hour prior to the service. For a more lasting memorial, you are asked to consider Forest Park Covenant Church or Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference (4759 Lake Harbor Rd, Muskegon 49441).
What’s your fondest memory of Gertrude M.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gertrude M.?
Share a story where Gertrude M.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gertrude M. you’ll never forget.
How did Gertrude M. make you smile?