Funeral services for Gertrude Ravenhorst Peak, 86, of Albert Lea, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hollandale Reformed Church. The Rev. Neal Ooms will officiate. Interment will be at the Hollandale Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Gertrude died on Feb. 14, 2010, at her home at Bancroft Creek Estates in Albert Lea.
Gertrude Ravenhorst Peak was born on May 10, 1923, to Arent and Sietsche (Molenaar) Ravenhorst in Pease. Gertrude moved to the Hollandale area with her family as a young child. She remained there until moving to Bancroft Creek Estates in Albert Lea with her husband of 65 years. Gertrude Ravenhorst and Douglas Peak were married on March 22, 1944, at the Hollandale Reformed Church where she was a member.
Many family and friends turned to Gertrude for refuge in their time of need. As a wonderful cook, Gertrude used her baking and homemaking skills to nurture and show her love. She was an intelligent individual who enjoyed playing cards and scrabble. Gertrude delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought out the brilliant smile that her family loved to see. As a final gift to her family, she faced death with a calm assurance that her job on earth was done and that she would soon see the Lord.
Survivors include her children: Donna Squibb of Denver, Colo.; Douglas (Kathleen) Peak Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Scott (Jill) Peak of Wauwatosa, Wis.; grandchildren: Wendi (Kern) Lodwig, Shane (Michelle) Squibb, David J.(Charity) Peak, A.J. (Nicole) Peak, Alan (Nikki) Peak, Katie Peak; great-grandchildren: Jacob Lodwig, Jordan Peak, Kennedy Peak, Madison Squibb, Justin Squibb, Amelia Peak; sister, Alice DeBoer of Hollandale; brothers: Gerrit (Evelyn) Ravenhorst of Hollandale, A.J. Ravenhorst of Walker; sisters-in-law: Alice (Willard) Spilde of Albert Lea, and Twila (Fred) Norton of Salt Lake City, Utah. Gertrude is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Douglas L. Peak Sr.; in-laws: Francis Peak, Lois Peak, Vera Peak, Artie Noble, Harko DeBoer, LouElla Ravenhorst; nephew, David F. Peak; extended family: Eric Aguilera and Carol Peak. Sister-in-law, Wilma Noble, also passed away within hours of Gertrude.