Gertrude "Gertie" F. Tillema, age 68 of Juneau, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Tuesday, July 11, 2017.

Visitation for Gertie will be held on Friday, July 14, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam. A private family service will be held and burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam.

Gertie was born on Februrary 2, 1949 in Beaver Dam, the daughter of Raymond and Alice (Hanke) Dobbratz. On May 28, 1966 she was united in marriage to Norman Tillema Sr. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Oak Grove. She enjoyed shooting trap when she was younger and worked at Kwik Trip in Juneau for several years. Sewing and baking were some of her favorite past times, but what she loved most was spending time with her family and helping raise her grandchildren.

Gertie is survived by her husband Norman Sr.; children Jan (Gary) Schaalma of Juneau, Norman Tillema Jr. of Juneau, Pete (Beth) Tillema of Horicon, and Paul (Marisela) Tillema of Juneau; grandchildren Mikayla (Kris Pasewald) Schaalma, Abigail Schaalma, Jacob Tillema, Clinton Tillema, Leah Tillema, Connor Tillema, Megan Tillema, Allison Tillema, Kody Tillema, Tyler Tillema, and Jessica Tillema; siblings Caroline (Dale) Maas of Watertown, Blondina Krause of Juneau, LeRoy (Dorothy) Dobbratz of Elroy, and Donald (Rosemary) Dobbratz of Juneau; her beloved dog Freckles, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Werner Krause, and other relatives.


Watch Gertie's Life Tribute Video


Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.