Gertrude "Gert" E. Dobbe

On September 26, 2024, Gert joined the love of her life, Don, in paradise.

Gert was born on November 28, 1937, in Wittenberg, Wisconsin. She grew up on her family’s farm. After graduating from high school in 1955, she and then fiancé, Don Dobbe, moved to Milwaukee to start the next chapter of their life.

Gert and Don were married on October 6th, 1956.  They moved to Appleton, Wisconsin where Gert was employed at then Appleton Coated Papers as the company’s receptionist. They raised four children, three sons and a daughter. An avid baker and master of the “chocolate chip cookie” she was very popular with the kids on Graceland Avenue!

Gert worked in retail at the department store Shopko before taking on a role as a tour guide for Nationwide Travelers. After helping numerous Wisconsinites tour the US by motorcoach, she joined her husband Don in establishing Northtown Lighting of Appleton. She handled the office duties and became the person that builders and electricians had to swing in and say hi too.

The sale of Northtown and a move north to Lakewood, Wisconsin created new opportunities for her. She took on various roles with her church at St. John’s Lutheran in Townsend.  She worked with their Food Pantry, Ladies Aid, Mission Sewing Group and coordinated the meals for all the funerals held at St. John’s.

Gert was preceded in passing by her parents John and Hilda Stewart, Husband Don, sisters Carrie Jeske and Mary Eichinger, brother Charles Stewart, daughter-in-law’s   Ellie Dobbe and Kim Dobbe. She is survived by her four children Jim Dobbe, Doug (Renae) Dobbe, Steve (Jenny) Dobbe, Jane (John) Mayer. Brother Henry Stewart, 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Mom had a wonderful sense of humor and an unwavering love for family. She was a confidante to many. When she told you (while tapping her temple) “it’s safe in here,” it meant it was in her vault and that is where it stayed!

She was also a master of being in the moment.  When you were with her, you had her complete and undivided attention. She had many pearls of wisdom; one of her favorites being: “Remember, there is enough love to go around.”

She started and ended everyday in prayer to God; thanking him for all her blessings and the ultimate gift to us all: His son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

We want to thank the team at Theda Care (AMC) in Appleton for their great care for our Mom over the past few weeks.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 1st at Valley Funeral Home 2211 N. Richmond St in Appleton, WI from 4:00PM to 7:00PM with a short prayer service at 6:45PM.

Funeral will be Wednesday, October 2nd at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 17963 WI-32 Townsend, WI.  Visitation will be from 9:30AM to 11:00AM. Service at 11:00AM.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.