Gertrude Irene 'Gerty' Nara

BRUCE CROSSING, Mich. — Gertrude Irene “Gerty” Nara, 88, a longtime resident of Bruce Crossing, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015.

Gerty and her twin sister, Ruth, were born on Nov. 23, 1927, in Ironwood, the daughters of Emil and Amanda (Frantila) Johnson. She graduated from Ewen High School.

On July 27, 1946, Gerty was united in marriage to Wesley Emerick Nara in Ewen. They made their home in Bruce Crossing and were blessed with five children.

She worked as a store clerk at Settler’s Cooperative and concluded her 20 year working career as a waitress at Tulppo’s Restaurant. Gerty retired in 1989.

She was a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church and the Ladies Auxiliary to Henry A. Holappa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9345.

Gerty is survived by her husband of more than 69 years, Wes; five children, Sheila (Ches) Johnson of Kenton, Gail (Bill) Wolfe, Garlen “Butch” Nara and Val (John) Wolfe, all of Bruce Crossing, and Stephanie (Rick) Ulness of Milwaukee; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Ray Johnson of Lake City; and special friends, Nanette (Roger) Brady and Julie (Harry) Bedell.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ernest and Norman Johnson; and her twin sister, Ruth Johnson.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, Nov. 30, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. EST, at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 13980 N. Paynesville Road, in Bruce Crossing. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m. (EST), with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

Committal services and interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery, Bruce Crossing.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Saviour Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 286, Ewen, MI 49925.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Online condolences may be made to lakesidememorialchapel.com.