Gertrude Stefanick

Gertrude L. Stefanick, 93, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Friday, January 4, 2013 at the Heartland Health Care Center in Whitehall, MI. She was born February 3, 1919 in Baraga, MI, daughter of the late Fredrick and Mary Ann (Shanahan) Hild. Gertrude graduated from Baraga High School in 1936. She married Nicholas Stefanick on October 14, 1942 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Baraga. He preceded her in death on April 9, 1956. She worked as the Baraga Township Treasurer for 28 years until her retirement. In 1999, Gertrude moved to the Iron Mountain area to live with her daughter, Helen. She was a longtime member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Baraga and American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford since 1999. Gertrude was also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Extension Club. She was a devout catholic and frequently spent time in prayer at the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. Her positive outlook on life and keen Irish wit were two qualities which made her the wonderful person she was. She enjoyed dancing, working on puzzles and playing cards, especially cribbage. Gertrude loved the time she was able to spend with her family and especially cherished her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gertrude is survived by a son, Joseph of Kingsford; daughters, Mary Ann (Gary) Mackela of Ft. Wayne, IN, Kathleen (Arthur) Ladzik of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, and Helen (Larry) Raiche of Iron Mountain; grandchildren, Stefanie Brickey, Joe Mackela, Kimberley Ladzik and Lindsay (Ian) Sprague, David (Melissa) Raiche, Steven (Nicole) Raiche, Nathan (Jennifer) Raiche, Theresa Raiche and Mary (Jacob) Blanchard; 15 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews including her Godchild, Mary Jane Flannery. She was preceded in death by two infant daughters, three sisters and two brothers. Visitation will be on Friday from 4 to 7 pm at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be on Saturday at 11:00am at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Baraga Cemetery in the spring. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Gertrude Stefanick online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Gertrude Stefanick

January 4, 1920 - January 4, 2013