Obituaries

Madison—Gretchen Ann Speerstra age 85 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Meriter Hospital surrounded by her loving friends. She was born on April 25, 1938 to Walter and Clara (Kujawa) Speerstra in Stevens Point, WI.

As a single parent Clara raised Bill and Gretchen with a strong and devoted sense to the Catholic faith. Growing up Gretchen participated in school activities including girls swim team, band, and Badger Girls State. During her junior-senior year, Gretchen began working summers as a camp counselor at Camp Chickagami for 6–11-year-old girls. She was intensely proud of her Dutch heritage. Following in her older brother’s footsteps, Gretchen graduated as Valedictorian from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1956.

Gretchen went on to Wisconsin State College earning a B.S. degree in secondary education (1960) and a M.S. degree in education (1990) from UW-Madison. She began her 38-year teaching career at Cherokee Jr. High in Madison as a Home Economic teacher. As a teacher she was devoted to her students.

The American Association of Family & Consumer Services recognized Gretchen as one of the top ten teachers in her field in 1999. She was later recognized by National Education Association/USAID “summer grant that gave her valuable, culturally relevant insights while working with home economics teachers in Ethiopia.” Gretchen was a “Silver Sister” (a 50-year member) of Alpha Deta Kappa-Honorary Sorority.

Retiring from Cherokee Middle School in 1999, Gretchen started a new chapter in her life, becoming an avid traveler. As a global traveler she explored more than 30-countries via tours or independently with friends. Gretchen interest was to learn and understand all people and their culture.

Gretchen is survived by her loving and caring neighbors on Brandon Road in Madison; “Adopted” families of Downs, Henderson, and Sosa; and supportive and loving friend Jeannie Ripp.

She is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Clara and her brother Reverend Father William Speerstra.

The family wishes to extend a very heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and palliative care team who so lovingly cared for Gretchen and family during these weeks at Meriter Hospital.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, February 9, 2024, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, WI, with Fr. Jay Poster presiding. Visitation will take place from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at church.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made in Gretchen’s name to Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; Habitat for Humanity-Dane County, St. Vincent de Paul; or a charity of your choice.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625