Ishpeming – Gertrude F. Delongchamp, age 97, longtime Ishpeming resident, and former Champion resident passed away on Tuesday July 1, 2008 at the Warner Creek Residential Care Facility in Palmer, where she had resided since Jan. 1 of this year.

Gertrude was born on September 9, 1910, the daughter of the late William and Celina (Recore) LaForest in Calumet, MI. Gertrude graduated high school in 1928 in Calumet and married Max Delongchamp. She was a former member of the Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post #114. Gertrude enjoyed sewing, making many pot holders by hand for family and friends, and loved to bake and cook. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming.

Gertrude is survived by 7 children: James (Agnes) Delongchamp of Ishpeming, Maxine (Arthur) Rojem of San Diego, CA, Valerie Paquette of Black River Falls, WI, Leon Delongchamp of Palmer, David (Carol) Delongchamp of Ishpeming, Dianne (Richard) Slater of Bridgeport, MI, Mary Lou Pinkerton of Vancouver, WA, 14 Grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband Max in 1982, a grandson Dale, 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 2:00PM with Rev. Fr. Greg Heikkala officiating. Gertrude's family will greet friends and relatives from 12:00noon until the time of services at the church on Saturday. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Warner Creek and to the U.P. Home Health and Hospice.