Frankenmuth, MI


Passed away peacefully with family by her side, Sunday April 15, 2018, at Wellspring Lutheran Services Frankenmuth; age 86 years.  Gertrude Bickel was born on November 5, 1931, in Saginaw, MI to the late Otto and Agnes Bickel.   She was married to David Maves on May 18, 1985, he survives her. Gert was employed by the Lutheran Home of Frankenmuth as the Activities Director for more than 30 years.  She was a lifelong member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church and involved in numerous church activities including H.U.G.S, Stephen Ministries, and many others.  Gert was an exceptional comfort to many of the elderly who were in her care.  She received the Ruth Helms Award in recognition of being the best activities director in the State of Michigan.

Surviving besides her husband David are; children Jonathan (Kathy) Zehnder of Frankenmuth, MI, Jessica (Randy) Beadle of Saginaw, MI, Jeremy (Shelley) Zehnder of Birch Run, MI, Jamison (Karen) Zehnder of Frankenmuth, MI; 16 grandchildren;21 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and a brother, Marie Creger, Fran Warnemuende and Wallace Bickel.

Gertrude was preceded in death by a son and daughter-in-law Julian (Jane) Zehnder; daughter-in-law Jill Zehnder; brother Edward Bickel; sisters, Anita Hildner, Mildred Leidel and Lenore Frank.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at 10:15 a.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St., Frankenmuth, Michigan and 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.  Rev. Joel C. Kaiser will officiate with burial between services in St. Lorenz Cemetery.  Gertrude's family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church Stephen Ministry or Wellspring Lutheran Services Activities Fund.