Martha Gertsch

Martha Inkeri Gertsch died March 28, 2020 in Fort Collins, Colorado at the age of 101. Martha was born in Iron Belt Wisconsin in 1918 to parents Konsta and Hilma Pera. She was one of six children.

Martha earned her master's degree in education and spent 25 years as an elementary school teacher in Kingsford, Michigan. She was a lifelong member of the Audubon Society and attended the Presbyterian Church. Martha loved the outdoors and she spent a lot of time travelling; she visited every continent except Antarctica.

Martha is survived by daughter, Carol Gertsch (Louis Swanson) of Fort Collins; daughter, Patricia Damaska of Pawleys Island, SC; grandson, Eric Swanson and his wife Thachaigeni Panchalingam of Columbus, OH; grandson, Scott Swanson who is stationed in Germany with the Army; sister, Mila Hook of Harwich, MA; brother, George Pera of Kingsford, MI; and numerous nieces and nephews around the country. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Mauno, Vic and Bill Pera.