Obituary of Gertrude M. Gerken
Gertrude M. Gerken, affectionately referred to as “Gert”, passed away on May 11, 2024 in the comfort of her home in Prince Frederick, MD. She had shared nearly 97 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, priceless wisdom, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Born in Hoboken, NJ to the late Gertrude and John F. Hogan, Gert was raised in Denville, NJ while her father was active as Mayor. She graduated from Mountain Lakes High School in 1945. Gert married her best friend, Frederick Gerken, on May 31, 1947; the happy couple established themselves in Denville. They were members of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, where they were married. Gert was a hard worker, having been employed with Warner Lambert in Morris Plains and the Denville Post Office, retiring as Supervisor. In June of 2015, Fred and Gert moved to Myrtle Beach, SC and then Delaware until 2018 when they settled into Calvert County, MD to be closer to what mattered most, family.
While living in Denville, Gert made an impact that will be forever treasured. Her true passion was helping others. She stayed busy in retirement volunteering throughout 32 years, over 26,000 hours of work and dedication at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville; her favorite place to be was the St. Clare’s Nook Gift Shop, maybe you remember seeing her there? She was also on the St. Clare’s/Riverside Auxiliary board where she served as Chair, and then Vice President, and finally President from 1986 – 1991. Along with the help of Sister Mary Urban Harrer and the annual St. Francis Harvest Festival they set a Gold Record for raising a whopping $305,000.00 in contributions in 1991. They also helped begin the Christmas Barns, which they kept up for 13 years together. She loved making wreaths and decorating Christmas trees. Gert coincidingly served as Co-Chairman on the St. Francis Residential Community Board and Franciscan Oaks Board. She assisted with the St. Francis Annual Walk and volunteered for Oktoberfest. What a remarkable woman!
Her ultimate pastime was lying by the pool or going to the beach. She was a great cook, because she had fun doing it. Gert also had an eye for fashion and aptitude decorating. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Fred; her brother, Robert Hogan; her sisters, Loretta Gawenda and Beatrice Granzen, and her parents.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her loving nieces and nephews, Sharon (Bill) Shirey of VA, Robert A. Granzen, Jr. and family of SC, Christine Patton and family of MD, John Granzen and family of IA, Barbara Fallin and family of MD, and Pamela (Tris) Vahle of MD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 14th at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville. Graveside Service will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover for both Fred and Gert. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Gert’s memory to The Bargain Barn by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please light a candle, leave a condolence, and share your favorite memory of Gert here to continue to celebrate her life and her light shine on.
*If you are unable to attend Mass, you can watch it live by clicking here*
