Gertrude M. (Bronkema) Flaynik

Gertrude M. (nee Bronkema) Flaynik “Nana”, age 94, passed away peacefully at Joliet Area Community Hospice on Friday, May 12, 2017 surrounded by the love of her family.

Gertrude is survived by her loving and devoted children, Dennis (Betty) Zaletel and Theresa McGuire; two grandsons, Mike (Erin) Testa and Mark (Kirsten) Testa; 3 granddaughters, Sara (Ryan) Dixon, Chris (Joe) Bajner and Carrie (Alex) Boryszewski; 12 great-grandchildren and sister, Ann (Emil Burkovic) Pandola.

Preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, William “Embo” Flaynik in 2011; grandson, John Dennis Zaletel; great-grandson, Beylen Mark Testa; 4 brothers; 2 sisters; parents, Joseph and Theresa Bronkema who came to America directly from Holland.

Gert loved her YMCA rusty hinges classes on Briggs Street and traveling through 49 states with Papa - her “navigator” and guide. If there was a bridge to Hawaii they certainly would have made 50 states. She was the master of jokes and “Gertisms” such as “Getting old ain’t for sissys” She loved to make people laugh and certainly was no sissy.

Thanks to Ann Keehn her guardian angel for many years and Joliet Area Community Hospice Home staff who made her last days comfortable and peaceful giving her the chance to move on with great dignity. She will be missed immensely; always the life of the party.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Joliet Area Community Hospice.

A celebration of Gertrude’s life will begin on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m at Tezak Funeral Home (1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet) then driving in procession to St. Ambrose Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian burial at 12:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.