Gertrude G. Spencer

Gertrude G. Spencer,93 of Quinnesec, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2017 at her home. She was born on August 19, 1924 in Kingsford, daughter of the late Hiram and Gladys (Mitchell) Learned. She attended the Kingsford schools, graduating from Kingsford High School in 1943. Gertrude married Stanley Spencer on January 2, 1946, and he preceded her in death on March 25, 2016. She worked for the United States Post office for many years before retiring. She was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a longtime member of the Quinnesec Methodist Church. Gertrude was an accomplished homemaker her whole life. She was a member of Dickinson County Extension Homemakers for many years. She was instrumental in bringing 4-H sewing clubs to the Quinnesec area. She was a longtime leader of the clubs, purchasing 5 sewing machines for 4-H club use. Gertrude was a member of Spinning Spools Quilters for many years and produced over 30 quilts for family members and friends. In October of 1997 she was proud to be a "Featured Quilter" at one of their shows. In quilting, Gert found a form of therapy that was very relaxing to her, and that benefited a great many people on the receiving end of her quilts. After attending quilting classes in Rhinelander and Escanaba, Gert would return home to share her knowledge with her club. She was also famous for her pancake recipe and for Saturday morning pancake breakfasts with her children and their friends, a tradition Gertrude maintained to the end of her life. Gertrude is survived by her three children, Carol (Richard) Sgarlotti of Quinnesec, Leslie "Bud" (Cindy Olson) Spencer of Quinnesec, and Kathie Spencer Fabishak (Michael Fabishak) of Whitefish Bay, WI; six grandchildren, Rebecca (David) Holtien of Appleton, Shelby (Dennis) Thayer of Cartersville, GA, Ben (Kristy) Spencer of Greenville, SC, Miles Fabishak of Las Vegas, NV, Marla (Jon) Habert of Boston, MA, and Mia Fabishak of Whitefish Bay, WI; four great grandchildren, Henry and Vivienne Holtien, and Jacob and Josie Thayer. Gert's entire life was focused on her husband Stanley and the love of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She truly adored her family, and her loving and giving spirit will live on with each one of them. She was preceded in death by her brothers, William and Kenneth Learned. The visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2017 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The Funeral Service will follow on Friday at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Rev. Walter Reichle will officiate. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials be made in her memory to the Almost Home Animal Shelter or the Quinnesec Methodist Church. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Crystal Bouche, Brooke Cory, and Melody Holmes for the friendship and care they gave Gertrude which allowed her to spend her final days at home. Thanks also to OSF Hospice for their support. Condolences to the family of Gertrude G. Spencer may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Gertrude G. Spencer

August 19, 1924 - October 30, 2017