Gertrude K. Newberg

BESSEMER, Mich. - Gertrude K. Newberg, 94, passed away with many loved ones by her side at Aspirus Hospital in Bessemer on Feb. 13, 2019.

Gertrude was born June 11, 1924, in Ironwood.

Gertrude's parents, Benjamin Finco and Helena (Bongers) Finco, immigrated from Oberhausen, Germany, to the United States in 1910. Gertrude was the youngest of eight children and the only one to graduate high school from St. Ambrose Catholic School in Ironwood. Gertrude was special and unique to all who knew her.

On July 4, 1945, Gert married the love of her life, Sonny Newberg. Annually, they celebrated their July 4th anniversary on Lake Gogebic, fitting of her "firecracker" personality. Gert and Sonny lived in Chicago; North Carolina; and Bergland. Gertrude worked at Wrigley's Gum Factory and owned and operated the Bergland Cabins. It is here, where she found her love of Lake Gogebic and endless treasured memories.

Family was important to Gertrude throughout her life. Early in life, she and her husband, loved entertaining family at Lake Gogebic where they built their home. It's this home, where family and friends gathered to fish, swim, pontoon, snowmobile, talk politics, and eat polenta. Later in life, every holiday was shared with nieces and nephews, enjoying fine food, conversation, and of course, an abundance of humor, with a dash of sarcasm creating unforgettable memories. Gert also enjoyed her dog, Muffin, who was her true companion.

She is survived by a sister-in-law, Gloria Finco, of California, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, all of which, were so very special to her. She will be missed, dearly, and a part of Gert will sparkle in the eyes of those who were so fortunate to have loved and known her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny Newberg; parents, Benjamin and Helen (Bongers) Finco; seven siblings, Anton Finco, Joseph Finco, John Finco, Leo Finco, Benjamin Finco, Adele (Finco) Bugni and William Finco.

In accordance with Gert's wishes, a celebration of life will take place in the summer of 2019 at Lake Gogebic where her ashes will be spread.

The family would like to sincerely thank all of her caregivers, her special friend and caregiver, Pat LaGalo, and the staff at Aspirus for their compassionate care.