Gertrude "Gertie" Louise (Sandison) Wilber

Gertrude “Gertie” Wilber went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in West Branch, Michigan at 86 years old. Gertie was born in Hazel Park, Michigan on September 4, 1940 to Charles and Evaleene (Gerry) Sandison.

Gertie graduated from Rochester High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University. On August 5, 1961, Gertie married her loving husband of 65 years, Marvin “Marv” Wilber. Gertie spent time in her earlier years volunteering at her children’s schools in the library and classrooms, teaching Sunday school, leading cub scouts as a devoted den mother, and throughout her life, loved spending time teaching and caring for children. After her husband’s retirement, Gertie and Marv wintered at Traveler’s Rest R.V. Resort in Dade City, Florida where they developed lifelong friendships, volunteered in the church, and engaged in their favorite hobbies. Gertie was an avid quilter and knitter, making quilts for local abuse shelters in Florida, knitting hats for local school children in Michigan, and crafting many quilts and clothing items for her own loved ones. In addition, Gertie was an esteemed cook and baker and devised many healthier diabetic recipes. Together with her husband, Marvin, she traveled to every state in the U.S., many Canadian provinces, and eighteen different countries and spoke conversational German.

Gertie is survived by her husband, Marvin Wilber, their three sons: Donald (Anne), Bruce (Sandra), and Michael (Dawn), five grandchildren: Rachel, Melissa (Austin) Fisher, Zackary, Genna (Tudor) Moldovan, and Callie, and two great-grandchildren: Wren and Josie Fisher. She is also survived by her brother Charles (Janet) Sandison, and sisters-in-law Ann (John) Sandison and Joan (Orlan) Wilber, and seven nephews and one niece. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Evaleene Sandison, nephew, Mark Wilber, brother, John Sandison, brother-in-law, Orlan Wilber, and sister-in-law Betty Wilber.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Gertie to support Hale Methodist Church youth camping program. Donations can be made to Hale Methodist Church, PO Box 46, Hale MI 48739.

Memorial Service to be held on Saturday, November 14th; 12 Noon at Hale Methodist Church. The church is located at 201 W. Main St., Hale, MI 48739