Gertrude (Gert) S. Gochanour, 84, of Coldwater, formerly of Marquette, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 in Coldwater at the Community Health Center surrounded by her family.
A memorial mass will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 12:00 PM at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey. The family will receive friends, prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM at the church. A second visitation will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018 from 11:00 – 1:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with interment to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.
Gert was born September 22, 1933 in Three Oaks, MI to Eber & Anna Hacker. She married Alfred J. Gochanour on August 20, 1965 in Angola, IN. He preceded her in death December 9, 2013.
Gert was a unit clerk for 31 years at Marquette General Hospital (formerly St. Lukes Hospital) retiring in 1996. She touched many lives and made many lifelong friends at the hospital. Over the years Gert chaired the Employee Relations Committee assisting many employees with various issues, concerns and problems.
Gert was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Coldwater and formerly an active member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Marquette. She belonged to the Coldwater Eagles Club. She served as an election inspector for her precinct in Chocolay Township. Gert enjoyed living in northern Michigan, moving there with her family in 1965. She took pleasure in her retirement helping her husband Al plow snow and operate their snow plowing business. She enjoyed traveling and loved going to the family camp aka “campwannashootabigbuck”. She loved taking the trek for the morning gatherings at the “coffee shop” in Arnold, MI, joining the gang to socialize and have fun. Her love of music kept her dancing with many trips to see the “band” in Escanaba. Gert loved to travel with her family and friends to gatherings and events. She always made sure to have her camera handy to take the pictures of everyone. Some of her greatest joy came from the time she spent throughout her life with family and friends whom she loved and adored.
Gert was full of life and known for her infectious laugh, bright smile and charming personality. You could meet Gert once and leave feeling like you had known her forever. She loved to sit and talk with a cup of coffee sharing stories, and laughing (a lot). She was quick to lend an ear, listen and give good motherly advice. She frequently phoned friends and family to catch up and check in. Gert was a proud mom of her children and family and was sure to let people know it. Through the years she enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, deer camp, playing cards and watching Nascar. She loved to be involved, and had to stay “busy” as she put it. Gert was always willing to help and volunteer for an event or cause when one arose.

Gert is survived by her children Miloh (Jan) Crawford of Gwinn, Robin Hachey, Mona Pompo both of Cedar Rapids, IA, Laurie Crawford of AZ, Jim (Cyndee) Gochanour of Coldwater, Jackie (Allen) Turner of South Beloit, IL.. Her sisters Lois Shultz, Lucille Cummings, and MaryLou Philson. 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers Ray and Ralph Hacker, as well as her dear sisters Marge Bonham, Pauline Gamby, Ruth Hartley and Bonita Kliss, as well as their spouses.
Arrangements are being cared for by Canale-Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette and Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. www.canalefuneral.com or www.dutcherfh.com.