Gertrude DeJong, 95, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 9th, 2023 at 11:00AM at the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 from 6-7PM with a 7PM prayer service at the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Winner, SD. Funeral Services will be live streamed through the Mason Funeral Home Facebook page. Click the link to watch the services: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063938806463

Gertrude "Beppa" was born at home near Springfield, SD on Aug. 16, 1928 to Jacob and Clara (Renzema) Ludens. They lived in a small house, slept in the unfinished upstairs with no heat or AC.  The main floor had "central air" – a pot- bellied stove in the center of the kitchen.  They had running water; she would run to the well, get the water and then run back to the house.  Bath time was from youngest to oldest in the same bath water, usually once a week whether they needed it or not.  Outdoor plumbing in the outhouse; kerosene lamps; cobs, wood and coal in the stove.  There were ups and downs, but always food for body and soul, eggs and milk to eat and to trade at the store for staple food supplies. Scarlet fever when she was 7 or 8.  Her "Beppa"(grandma) had a china hutch that she admired and is still in the family.  Meal time was always with family.  Prayer, eating, Bible reading and prayer.  "We had to know what the last word of the Bible reading was." Dusty, windy days in the 30's occasionally required a lamp to be lit during the day.  Wet towels in front the windows would slow down the dust.   Some winters required riding with Uncle Walt Ludens to church with his team and bobsled.

She attended grade school at Lincoln country school.  Eight grades with one teacher.  She went to Springfield high school and graduated in 1946.  She knew she was a sinner that needed a savior.  By God's grace she believed and trusted in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.  As a result of her faith in Him she joined Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield SD Dec. 26, 1945.

She married Gerrit "Buddy" DeJong April 10, 1947.  She was ready and willing to go where the Lord and her husband led.  They spent the first year of marriage south of Eagle Butte where her father-in-law, Nick, homesteaded. No electricity, no telephone, no mail route.  They moved to the ranch near Hamill, SD in 1948.  They attended the Hamill OPC and were committed to serving Christ there.

They raised 5 children together.  She was a quiet, caring wife and mother who loved sacrificially.  She kept the "red stick" on top of the refrigerator.  Raising five kids sometimes required her to apply the board of education to the seat of the problem, which was intended to have a "smarting" effect.

Gert moved to a house in Winner in 1997 where she served, cared for and hosted countless family, friends and soon to be friends, many on a moment's notice.  She faithfully sent scores of birthday and Christmas cards for years.  She moved to assisted living at Elder Inn in 2017 where Tammy and the staff went above and beyond to make her feel at home.  Mom was very grateful for the excellent care she received while hospitalized at Winner Regional Health Care. Their concern and care was unparalleled and greatly appreciated.

Gert had many challenges and joys in the course of 95 years. Her desire was to know God and to make Him known.  The Lord blessed her and her family by revealing to her each stage of life and when the next stage was upon her.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised. Prov. 31:30

Thankful for sharing her life are her 5 children: Loretta (George) Cybulskis, Carla (Gary) Van Kalsbeek, Miles (Kim) DeJong, Doyle (Lorie) DeJong, Monte DeJong. 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Gert was preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings Peter J. Ludens, Frances Nagel, John Ludens, & Maynard Ludens.