Nov. 29, 1926-July 19, 2017

Gertrude Olga Hirsch, age 90 of Forks, Washington, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 in the care of Dungeness Courte Memory Center in Sequim, WA. She was surrounded by her loving family and caregivers during the last days of her life. She was born to John and Marie Knittel in Tripp, South Dakota, on November 29, 1926.

She married the love of her life, Elwood Keith Hirsch, on November 18, 1943. They were blessed with five children: Bonnie, Gerald, Myrtle, Janice, and George. They lived and worked in Highmore and Redfield, South Dakota, before moving to Forks, Washington, in 1972.

While living in South Dakota, Gertrude ran a bus café and worked at a state hospital. After moving to Washington she worked for the United States Postal Service. She was a mail carrier in Forks and later took a postmaster position in Ryderwood, WA. They later moved back to Forks as she became postmaster in Beaver, WA. She retired as Beaver postmaster on December 31, 1994.

Elwood and Gertrude loved going to the casino (penny slots), making items to sell at the Farmer’s Market (Tin men) and sitting on the front porch to watch the cars pass by. Gertrude loved having family gatherings and cooking, working crossword puzzles, visiting with friends and family, playing cards and board games and watching Wheel of Fortune. After Elwood passed away in 2012, Gertrude enjoyed the daily company of her son George and his family, who lived nearby.

Gertrude is survived by her brother Alfred Knittel of Huntsville, Alabama; Children – Bonnie Heckenlaible of California; son Jerry Hirsch, of Toledo, WA; daughter Myrtle (Louie) Liebig of Aberdeen, SD; daughter Janice Hirsch of Aberdeen, SD; and son George (Carin) Hirsch, of Forks, WA. In addition, she is survived by 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great-great granddaughters and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Elwood Hirsch; sister’s Ella Taylor and Meta Porter; and great granddaughter Taylor Lockwood.

Special recognition to Teri Gaydeski for taking great care of her while living at home and to all the caregivers at Dungeness Courte Memory Center in Sequim, WA, who pampered Gertrude with compassionate care since January 2016.

Drennan-Ford Funeral Home, in Port Angeles, was in charge of arrangements.

On Saturday, July 29, 2017, she was buried at Forks Cemetery with a memorial service and luncheon at the Forks Congregational Church officiated by Pastor Warren Johnson.

The family asks that any donations be made to Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington.