Obituary of Gertrude Sikkink

Gertrude L. Sikkink, of Cambridge, died Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at Carstens Harbour Assisted Living Home in Cambridge at the age of 89. She was born on March 6, 1920 in Sioux City, Iowa to John and Sarah (Fry) McDermeit. Shortly after her birth her family moved to Friesland, MN. Gertrude attended the local country school and later attended Hinckley High School. After high school she worked for some time at the grocery store in Hinckley On June 6, 1942, Gertrude was united in marriage to James Allen Sikkink in Hinckley. They lived in Hinckley until moving to Lake Fanny in Cambridge in 1968. While living in Hinckley Gertrude worked at the Cambridge State Hospital up until her retirement. During her retirement years she and James spent winters in Florida, enjoyed visits to Alaska, and making trips to Canada to fish. Gertrude enjoyed working in her gardens, cooking for and spending time with her loving family, and never turned down the opportunity to fish. She was known to many of her generous warm hospitality. She showed this by opening up her home to others for as long as they needed a place to stay. She treated everyone as if they were a part of her family. Gertrude was an active member of the North Isanti Baptist Church of Cambridge. Gertrude is survived by her sons; Lee (Mary Johnson) of Hinckley, Ken Sikkink of Hinckley, Jim (Sandy) Sikkink of Brook Park, daughter; Kathy Sikkink (Mark Besser) of Cambridge; Cindy Monson who was like a daughter, 8 Grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, sisters-in-law Margaret McDermeit of Floodwood, Venita Sikkink of Greenleafton, brother-in-law Luverne Grooters of Greeenleafton. Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, sister Alice McDermeit, husband James Allen Sikkink, son John Sikkink, grandson Troy Sikkink, granddaughter Lisa Sikkink, brothers Guy McDermeit and Jim McDermeit, sister Viola Zima.