Gertrude Rose Zygaj, age 97 of Manistee, Michigan died Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Nacy's House in Manistee, Michigan. She was born on March 10, 1927 in Manistee, Michigan, daughter of the late William and Vanda (Gielczyk) Slawinski.

Gertrude married John E. Zygaj on May 5, 1951 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee, Michigan.  John preceded her in death on November 26, 2010.Gertrude began her working career with the Wolverine Garment Company, and then at the Glen of Michigan, then at Fortier Upholstery Company and finally at the Century Boat Company, as a final assembler, until the company closed its operations in Manistee. Her hobbies included, gardening, playing pinochle, bingo. Gertude was well known for her sewing skills and had many customers whom she did tailoring and sewing for. One of her biggest skills was that she was an excellent "re-weaver" having the ability to hand weave threaded strands, to repair damaged garments and fabrics. She was a member of the Divine Mercy Parish of Manistee (St. Joseph Catholic Church), the Divine Mercy Roary Society, a member of the V.F.W. Walsh Post #4499 Ladies Auxiliary, the American Legion Post #10 Ladies Auxiliary and a life member of the Civic Club.

She is survived by her children, Gail Wohlscheid of Lowell, MI, Monica and John Sarisky of Atlanta, Georgia, John Jr. and Joan Zygaj of Chicago, Illinois and James Zygaj of Free Soil, MI, her grandsons, John Wohlscheid, Michael Wohlscheid, Joseph Sarisky and Nikolaus (Allie) Sarisky and her brother Frank Slawinski of Missouri. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John E. Zygaj, her son in-law, Gary Wohlscheid, her sister Helen Slawinski, and her brothers, Casmier, Richard, Anthony "Tony", and Stanley Slawinski.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend James Bearss celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel cemetery also in Manistee. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday morning, one hour prior to the funeral mass.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.