Ishpeming- E. Gertrude Chapman, of 111 Bluff St., #502, Ishpeming, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2011, her 97th birthday, surrounded by her family, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility where she had been a resident the past week.


Gertrude was born Oct. 30, 1914 in Ishpeming the daughter of the late Gust and Helma (Ekoluoma) Oja. She was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1932. Gert married Mason Chapman on May 5, 1934. She had worked at Gerchinoff's Restaurant, the H. W. Gossard Factory, and as a Nurses Aid at the Bell Memorial Hospital and the Palmer Nursing Home. She was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, and had been a member of the Royal Neighbors of America. Gertrude could always be found following and supporting her husband, son's, and grandchildren's sporting activities.


Gertrude is survived by her five sons – Neil Chapman of Ishpeming, Allan "Kalevi" (Darlene) Chapman of Ishpeming, Bruce (Mary) Chapman of Ishpeming, Michael (Linda) Chapman of Palmer and Raymond (Peggy) Chapman of Ishpeming, a brother Kenneth Oja of Ishpeming, her grandchildren – Carol (Brett) Long of San Jacinto, CA, Dan (Debbie) Chapman of Ishpeming, Jon Chapman of Aurora, IL, Becky (Greg) Ryan of Jenison, Debbie (Ryan) Brouillette of Ishpeming, Angela (Steve) Beauchaine of Ishpeming, Macy Chapman of Republic, Jason Chapman of Ishpeming, Nana (Scott) Marshall of Marquette, Maia (Todd) Ogea of Negaunee, Pamela (Allen) Baynton of Palmer, 22 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins, along with her "special daughter" Betty (Bob) Robare, and her "sixth son", Wayne "Porkuu" Charbonneau, and special friend Alice Jacobson.


She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Mason "Chip" Chapman in 1997, brothers – Alvin, Raymond and Stewart "Scrammy" Oja, sisters – Linda Morrisette, Marie Patron, Mamie Oja, Marjorie Oja and daughters-in-law – Joan and Linda Chapman.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 1:00 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Funeral services will follow at 1:00pm on Wednesday at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Inurnment will take place at the Negaunee Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.


Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.


Memorials may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church memorial fund in Gertrude's memory.