Gertrude Genevieve (Farfel) Keck

Gertrude Genevieve Keck, 98, passed away at Hospice House on May 23, 2015, after a brief illness.  She was born on November 9, 1916 in St. Paul, MN, to John & Veronica Farfal.  Her mother died when she was 6 months old and her father returned to Poland to serve in the Polish army as an interpreter.  She was raised by her beloved grandmother and aunts and uncles in St. Paul.  She married Harry D. Keck of North Liberty, IN on September 12, 1945 in South Bend, IN.  He preceded her in death on August 1, 1986.  They lived in Des Moines, IA before moving back to South Bend.  While in Des Moines, Gert worked as a sales lady at Younkers Department Store in the hat and scarf department, a job she truly loved.  She was tickled that she waited on celebrities such as Zsa Zsa Gabor.  It also amused her that her life began in St. Paul and her final home was at Sanctuary at St. Paul’s in South Bend, where she was well cared for by their staff members.

She is survived by her cousin Leonard Zabilla of St. Paul, MN; her nephews, Chuck (Janet) Houser, John (Sheila) Houser, Jim (Pat) Houser of North Liberty, IN and Paul (Marilyn) Houser of Odessa, FL.  She also leaves behind her dear friend, Pauline Neighbors, of South Bend, and her roommate at St. Paul’s, Lottie Bell.

A family graveside services will be held at Eastlawn Cemetery, North Liberty, IN.  Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Gertrude Keck may be made to Hospice House; 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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