Gertrude "Gertie" Tursi

Gertrude (Gertie) Tursi was born in Chelsea, Iowa to Joseph and Julia Hrabak. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Wesley Life in Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road, of which she was a member. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street with a rosary to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Gert attended Notre Dame Girls Academy in Omaha, graduated from Chelsea High School and the American Institute of Business. She met the love of her life, Peter, in 1950, they wed on July 4, 1951 and would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. From this union, they were blessed with five children and six grandchildren. Before and after raising five children, Gert was a typist, stenographer and office assistant at several businesses in Des Moines.

Gert was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She had a gentle, kind spirit and never found fault in anyone. She always had a plate of treats and a pot of coffee ready when family and friends came for a visit. Gert was very active in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, loved attending her grandchildren’s activities and spending summers at the lake with her family. Gert endured loss of vision seven years ago. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Altar and Rosary Society and had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying the rosary daily.

Those left to celebrate her life and cherish her memory include her husband, Pete; children, Madelyn of Des Moines, John of San Diego, Lori (Bob) Grote of West Des Moines, Jean (Brad) Tison of Des Moines and Patti (Tom) Riley of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Erin, Kristin and Tricia Riley, Alivia and Peter Tison and Elle Grote; sister in-law, Mary Fuller; nephews, Dennis, David and Richard Hrabak; nieces, Katherine Musel and Barb Long; many great nieces, nephews and great-great nieces and nephews; and beloved friends.

In addition to her parents, Gert was preceded in death by her brothers, Foster and Kenneth Hrabak, a nephew and several nieces.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gert’s honor to St. Anthony’s Church Foundation or to St. Anthony’s Church.

Gert’s family wishes to thank her special in-home caregivers, Sister Greta, Cindy and Diana; the caring nursing staff at Wesley Life and her Eucharistic Ministers, D.J. and Deacon Tony.

On-line condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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