Gertruda (Gertie) Marie Anna Nowak (née Erkens), age 76, passed away peacefully at home on January 8, 2026, in New Berlin, Wisconsin.

Gertie was born on January 4, 1950, in Brunssum, the Netherlands, where she grew up and formed the strong values and traditions that would guide her throughout her life. Later, she made her home in New Berlin, Wisconsin, where she lived with her husband and raised her family.

She was the beloved wife of John Nowak and a devoted mother to Peter Nowak and Alyssa Farmer. She was a cherished mother-in-law to Krista Nowak and Andy Farmer, and a proud and loving “Oma” to her grandchildren: Alison Nowak, Jakob Nowak, Vera Farmer, and Dylan Farmer. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she thrived in her role as Oma—always ready for sleepovers, smoothies, favorite books, crafts, and endless snuggles, even while enduring cancer treatments.

Gertie was preceded in death by her father, Peter Joseph Erkens; her mother, Anna Marie Johanna Erkens; her sister, Marij van de Riet (Erkens); and sister-in-law, Marij Erkens. She is survived by her siblings Willie Erkens, Henk (Els) Erkens, Petra (Harry) Muyres, and brother in-law Hans van de Riet as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends across generations and continents.

Gertie met her husband, John, in Brunssum during Carnival (Mardi Gras) Monday in 1975, while John was stationed there with the U.S. Air Force. They dated for several months before John returned to the United States in November 1975. Despite the distance, they remained committed to one another, building their relationship across continents. While John returned to finish school stateside, they visited each other whenever they could. On July 6, 1979, they were married in Brunssum. Shortly after their wedding, they made their home together in West Allis, Wisconsin.

Early in her life, Gertie taught home economics in the Netherlands for eight years, a role well suited to her talents and passions. Throughout her life, she was an accomplished and creative crafter — knitting, crocheting, quilting, and making teddy bears — and she shared these skills through teaching and part-time work. She was especially known for her Dutch baking and signature desserts, which became a treasured part of family gatherings and celebrations.

Gertie was known for her straightforward nature — she told it like it was — paired with deep generosity and an unwavering love for her family. She was brave and courageous, qualities most evident in her eleven-and-a-half-year battle with ovarian cancer. She tracked nearly 150 rounds of chemotherapy and never allowed her illness to define or limit her life. She traveled, nurtured friendships, and remained present for her family until the very end. Her family believes she did not lose her battle with cancer — she won it through strength, determination, and courage.

A natural connector, Gertie made friends wherever she went, never hesitating to introduce herself and learn someone’s story. She loved traveling with her husband, family vacations with her children and grandchildren, and ensuring that Dutch traditions and foods remained part of her family’s lives. One of her favorite sayings, “Op is op” (“gone is gone”), used in response to her grandchildren asking for an additional dessert or sweet treat, reflected her practical outlook on life.

Gertie was also a passionate advocate for the Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance (WOCA). True to her competitive spirit, she took great pride in achieving the title of top team fundraiser year after year for their annual walk. She was committed to educating others about the signs of ovarian cancer, hoping to spare others from the experience she endured.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many medical professionals at Froedtert, especially Dr. Denise Uyar and her staff, for their compassionate care and respect for Gertie’s choices throughout her journey. The family is also deeply grateful to the staff of the Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance (WOCA), whose unwavering support grew into meaningful friendships. Through WOCA, Gertie was given the opportunity to fight back — through fundraising, inspiring others, raising awareness, and celebrating life as a survivor.

Special thanks are also given to Horizon Home Care & Hospice, who helped ensure that Gertie was able to pass peacefully at home, surrounded by love in the last weeks and days. Heartfelt thanks are extended as well to the many friends and family members who showed their love and support in countless ways over the years, and especially during Gertie’s battle with cancer. Your kindness, and encouragement meant the world to her.

Gertie will be deeply missed for her presence, her time, her honesty, and her boundless love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she preserved, the people she connected with, and the generations who will forever know her as Oma.

A private service will be held for immediate family and a celebration of life will occur at a later date.

WHILE THIS SITE OFFERS FLOWER AND TREE PURCHASES,
THE FAMILY WISHES FOR MEMORIAL DONATIONS IN GERTIE'S NAME TO WOCA AT WWW.WISCONSINOVERIANCANCER.ORG OR 13825 W NATIONAL AVE. #103, NEW BERLIN, WI. 53151