Gertrud H. Rademacher - 87
Crete, Illinois
Gertrud Rademacher, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away on February 10, 2024, in Crete, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion. Born on November 16, 1936, in Czechoslovakia, Gertrud was the daughter of Adolf Hanke and Ada Joske. She was a devoted wife to Frederic Rademacher for 66 years and a loving mother to her daughters, Diane Reeve, Debbie Moran, and Ginger Arnell. She was also a cherished sister to Herbert Hanke and the late Fritz Hanke, Anna Werthner and Gisela Hanke.
Gertrud's life was marked by her unwavering love for her family and her passion for knitting, crocheting, and playing cards with her friends. She found joy in traveling throughout Europe and the United States, creating lasting memories with her loved ones. Her warm smile and kind heart touched the lives of all who knew her.
Gertrud's love story with Frederic began when they met in Germany, where he was stationed. Their love blossomed, leading to a beautiful marriage that endured for over six decades. Together, they raised their daughters and created a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
In her youth, Gertrud worked at a camera manufacturing plant in Germany, where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the value of hard work and dedication. She carried these values with her throughout her life, instilling them in her children and grandchildren.
Gertrud's love for her family was immeasurable, and she found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughters Diane, Debbie, and Ginger and her fiancé Rob Mahoney, her sons-in-law Tom Reeve and Greg Moran, her grandchildren Chris Moran and his wife Ashley, Lauren Alford and her husband Scott, Kyle Brinkmann and fiancé Jorge Belmonte, Blair Arnell, and Carter Arnell, as well as her great-grandchildren S.J. and Lucas Alford, and Ari Moran.
Gertrud's memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolf and Ada, her father-in-law Adolph Rademacher, and her mother-in-law Martha Rademacher. Her legacy of love, kindness, and strength will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Gertrud Rademacher's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and resilience. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the love and light she brought into the lives of those around her. May she rest in peace, knowing that her legacy of love will continue to inspire and uplift those who were touched by her presence. Memorial Visitation at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 W 14th Street (US Rt 30, 3 blks E of Western Ave), Chicago Heights on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm until time of Memorial Service at 4:00pm. Future inurnment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.
Lauren
on 02/13/24
My little Gertie, my life will forever be changed without you here.
Love you forever and ever, your Lauren.
Ginger Arnell
on 02/14/24
My dear sweet mother how I will miss you the rest of the days of my life. You will forever be in my heart. Rest in peace now my little angel you are save now and free of pain. I love you now and forever!
Diane Reeve
on 02/14/24
I will never forget all of the stories that you told us about your life in Germany. And I loved listening to your voice and that sweet German accent that you kept for 87 years. I will always, keep those phone messages "Diane, this is your mother, call me". I do not know how we can go on without you. But it was important to you that we continue to get together and celebrate and not lose those connections with each other which we will do. I miss you mom.....
Guy
on 02/14/24
Our condolences go to my uncle, my cousins,, and their families. Aunt Gertie was always so good to me as a child and as an adult. Before I left the state for North Carolina in 2004, we'd all go out to dinner a couple of times a year to catch up. She took care of my grandmother - who admitted to me that she was tough/bad to Gertie at times - but would never admit that to her daughter-in-law. Gertie always took it in stride and did not complain as she continued to care for and provide for our grandma. I always admired her for that.
May Gertie's family and friends find peace and comfort in their favorite memories of her. She was special.
Guy and Nancy Wallace
Lenior, NC
Anthony Renzi
on 02/14/24
Gertie holds a special place in our hearts and will be sorely missed. The Rademacher's are "family" to the Renzi's and Gertie and our beloved Mom, Dolores were the epicenter of the entire combined family. They are now reconnected in Heaven talking and visiting like they did on a daily basis in the good old days.
With much love and deepest sympathy to Fritz, Diane, Debbie and Ginger and the entire family.
Tony & Ann Renzi
Debbie Moran
on 02/15/24
Cesily King
on 02/22/24
I have many fond memories of hours spent playing with my cousins with Aunt Gertie watching over us. I always enjoyed chatting with her in between games, and she made me feel very grown up. She and Uncle Fritz opened their home and yard for my wedding reception. I was very grateful, but being very young and never doing anything like that before, I had no real idea of what that would have entailed for them. I know I was not as appreciative of them for that then as I am now. I send my sympathy to Uncle Fritz, Diane, Debbie, and Ginger and all of their families.
Cesily and Tom King
Nanette Renzi
on 02/24/24
When my daughter Anni and I first joined the Renzi family, and joined into the Crete, IL community, it was the warmth and inclusiveness of my loving mother-in-law Dolores Renzi and her longstanding family friends that made us feel so at home though being far from our Kalamazoo, MI roots. Standouts among those family friends are the Rademachers. With their characteristic joviality, European spirit and joie de vivre there were many memories made that we hold dear to our hearts. Gertie, I felt always like you were another mother to me. And I especially appreciated how kind you were when my own mother visited. I love you so much, and know that you will be a delightful Guardian Angel to your family. Sweet rest now. Love.
Nan Renzi, MJ Renzi, Anni Pilger, and Olivia Renzi
Jim Powell
on 02/24/24
Gerty I'm thankful to have had the pleasure of knowing you. I loved hearing all the old stories about where you grew up during such a difficult time. You were always such a kind person to my family and I. You will be greatly missed. All your worries and pain are over. Rest in Peace and I promise I will not let Fritz get into too much trouble.
To Fritz ,Diane,Debby Ginger and family, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
The Powell Family