Gerda B. Wichterman

Gerda Belinde (Ness) Wichterman(age 97) passed away on January 16, 2011 in Spokane, WA. On October 27, 1913, she was the thirteenth of fifteen children born to Charlie and Margith (Klyberg) Ness in Clearbrook, Minnesota. She grew up and was confirmed and baptized in Clearbrook. Gerda graduated from Clearbrook High School in 1933. She married Melvin Wichterman on March 3, 1934. Gerda and Melvin had six children. She is survived by four children; Gerald Wichterman 1941 (Cheryl) of Spokane, WA, Jack Wichterman 1942 of Deer Park, WA, Richard Wichterman 1944 of Deer Lake, WA, and Kathy Dalnes 1954 (Pete) of Elk, WA; her sister, Dora Lovejoy (94) of Roseau, MN; 18 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren. Gerda was preceded in death by her husband Melvin; her parents; nine sisters; four brothers; a son who died at birth; her oldest daughter, Yvonne (Spray) who passed away in 1994; daughter-in-law, Judith Wichterman in 1966; daughter-in-law, Sharron Wichterman in 2008; a grandchild, Paul Spray in 2006; and a great grandchild, Michael Wichterman in 2006. Visitation will be Thursday, January 20 from 12:00 Noon to 5:00PM and Friday, January 21 from 9:00AM – 8:00PM at Riplinger Funeral Home 4305 N. Division Spokane, WA. Graveside service will be Saturday, January 22 at 9:00AM at Greenwood Memorial Terrace Cemetery with a memorial service beginning at 10:30AM to follow at the St. Luke Lutheran Church 9706 N. Division.