Gertrude Breidigam

Gertrude E. Breidigam, 92, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, July 5th at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Health Center.

She was born February 23, 1931 in Onarga, Illinois, the daughter of Heinrich and Sophia Schleef. Gert married Ted Breidigam in Kankakee, Illinois on October 16, 1954.

She was a graduate of Augustana Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of St. Francis in Joliet. She was a registered nurse and worked at Swedish American Hospital and a clinic before joining the Visiting Nurses Association of Rockford. Being a visiting nurse was Gert’s true passion and calling, and she served the southwest side of Rockford and Ogle County for over 15 years.

She was a long time member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, an active volunteer with WELCA, the Miriam Circle, folding church newsletters and bulletins, and serving at funerals. Gert enjoyed traveling, hiking, canoeing and camping with her family, spending time in her vegetable garden, cooking, sewing, and knitting. Gert also enjoyed a daily walk. At Fairhaven, she volunteered to keep the music folders in order for the choir, participated in the book group and loved playing and teaching games to others.

She was an intelligent, witty, kind and compassionate women who chose to see the glass as half full, and had a positive outlook on life. She was a role model for all of us on the importance of taking the best care possible of yourself, eating well, exercising and not worrying. She took life one day at the time, made the best of any situation and lived far longer than she expected. With Gert, the calm was always there.

Gert was preceded in death by her husband Ted, her sister Esther and her brothers Arnold, Walter, Bernard, Alfred and Edgar. She is survived by her daughters Sue Breidigam of Rockford and Janet Breidigam of Plymouth MN, brother Gilbert of Champaign and her beloved 30 nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the staff of Fairhaven, Northern Illinois Hospice, In Home Medical Group and Dr. John Hovis for their tenderness and compassion and the extraordinary care they provided to Gert. She was loved and will be missed.

Memorial Service at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center Chapel at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 2nd with visitation from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Memorials may be made to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center or Northern Illinois Hospice.

Take a walk today, practice calmness, share a laugh or make a delicious meal today in memory of Gert.