Gertrude Fetcher
unknown - September 3, 2008
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Gertrude Fetcher is at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Strings Music Pavilion, 900 Strings Road. A reception outside the pavilion will immediately follow the service. Guests are invited to bring a single long-stemmed flower to add to a large community bouquet representing the many people whose lives were touched by Gertrude. In lieu of other flowers, the family requests that memorials in Gertrude's name be sent to The Whiteman Schools (primary or secondary), Strings Music Festival or Hospice of Northwest Colorado.
Much-loved longtime Steamboat Springs resident Gertrude Fetcher died peacefully Sept. 3, 2008, at the age of 89 in the comfort of her home with family by her side.
Until the past year or two, Gertrude was found regularly on the cross-country ski trail, volunteering for Hospice, as a contributing member of the Whiteman School Board, as an advocate for Strings in the Mountains, and lighting up rooms with her smile at numerous social and community events. Despite her health challenges, until the past few weeks Gertrude continued her active life of volunteering, Pilates, water aerobics, attendance at Strings in the Mountains, book club, social functions, and management of her condominium association.
Throughout Routt County, she has served as a role model for many - her unassuming nature, generosity, warmth, quiet and sharp intelligence, energy, strength and emotional presence setting an example for all.
Gertrude grew up in Munich, Germany, until the age of 18, when she immigrated to Chicago with her parents in 1939. She traveled to Steamboat Springs with her husband, Stanton Fetcher, his brother, John Fetcher, and her sister-in-law, Criss Fetcher, in 1949 to help establish the Fetcher Ranch in Clark. Thereafter she gave many years of service as a teacher and accountant at the Lowell Whiteman School. Through her inspiring manner, Gertrude earned a place in the hearts of countless friends and relatives who will long remember her.
Gertrude is survived by her son, Lincoln, and his wife, Kathy; and grandchildren, Adam and Anya, of St. Paul, Minn.; her son, Fred, of San Rafael, Calif.; and her brother, Franz, and family of Walnut Creek, Calif. Her presence will be missed deeply by innumerable people, young and old, who consider her a dear friend.
A memorial service will be held the second weekend of September. Please check future notices for final details of time and place.
The family requests memorial contributions be made in Gertrude's name to the Lowell Whiteman School, the Whiteman Primary School, Strings in the Mountains, or Hospice of Northwest Colorado.
