Gertrude Rietveld

Gertrude Rietveld, 97, of Twin Falls passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at her home in Bridgeview Estates. 

Gertrude was born on November 23, 1919 in South Holland, IL, and she was the eldest daughter of John and Maggie (Gouwens) Van Der Giessen.  Gert, as she was known to her friends, grew up in a unique Dutch community that bordered Chicago.  She graduated from Thornton High School in 1937.

Gert and her family were active in the First Reformed Church of South Holland, which was the social center of their community.  There she first met and eventually married Cornelius (Corny) Rietveld on January 6, 1942.  They were happily married for nearly 69 years until Corny passed away in 2010. 

The couple began their married life in Illinois, and they raised three children.  Together they built their dream house in Chicago Heights, IL, and Gert established a magnificent “Garden of Eden” in which nary a weed dared to grow.

With the goal to establish a new farming operation in a less congested setting, Gert and Corny relocated to Kouts, IN in 1974.  While in Indiana Gert was active in the community and at the Kouts Presbyterian Church, and she especially enjoyed singing in the choir.   Gert attended to a lovely house in a densely wooded setting, where shade-loving plants and flowers flourished under her care.

Upon reaching age 64, Gert and Corny boldly began a new life in Twin Falls, leaving behind familiar Midwestern life.  While Corny worked to establish a new farming operation in the Magic Valley, Gert busied herself with more beautiful landscaping, community activities such as the PEO, and singing in the choir and being a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Twin Falls. 

Gert and Corny traveled the world extensively, touring all continents except Antarctica.  They visited their ancestral homeland of The Netherlands many times, and they lived there for several months during the summer of 1992.  Throughout her life Gert was known as the queen of geraniums, a gracious hostess, and an excellent cook and superb baker. 

Gert is survived by one sister, Joanne Scheeringa of Cedar Lake, IN; three children Gerrit (Jackie) of Richmond, VA, Mary Kelly and Robert (Patty) of Twin Falls; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  Her sister Marie Koster and brother Henry preceded her in death. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 2:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Twin Falls.  Those wishing to share condolences may do so at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.