Gertrud Ristori

Gertrud “Trudi” Ristori

Born Gertrud Hotz in Milhausen, Germany September 12, 1927, she was the youngest of five children. She would tell stories of riding her bike to the nearby city of Heidelberg and her mother baking bread on Sundays. During WWII, she was separated from her family for safety concerns and moved away from the area. She remembered the day that the American troops came into her town shortly after Christmas day and being worried they would take her presents of new shoes and a chocolate bar. Her uncle and two sisters had already moved to the US, and she immigrated here on her 21st birthday. She arrived a day early, without knowing a word of English. Luckily an American GI was nearby who spoke German and helped her find her family. She fell in love with the Italian boy next door, George Ristori, and they were married on July 16, 1952. George served in the army and was stationed in North Carolina for four years, after which they settled in Paramus, New Jersey. They were blessed with two daughters, Susan in 1954 and Patricia in 1959. Gertrud was known for being a very hard worker, committed to her family, and true to her German roots, keeping the tidiest home in town. Work later brought them to Florida, where Gertrud and George remained through retirement. They later moved to Kalamazoo, MI to be closer to family, as they both loved spending time with their seven grandchildren and watching their sporting events. Gertrud was well known for being an excellent cook and loved to make large meals for her family, which has since expanded to include 13 great-grandchildren. She was loved by many and will be forever missed by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

While visiting Gertrud’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family. 

The Ristori family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. 269-679-5622.