Gertrude (Gertie) F. Bigge

Gertrude (Gertie) F. Bigge, aged 98 of Laporte, Colorado, died on May 21st, 2025.

Gertie was born on January 7, 1927, in Hugo, Colorado. She was the youngest daughter of Albert J. and Irene Griebel Koppes, both deceased.

She is survived by children Carolyn (Earl) Clay of Steelville, Mo., Phillip “Doug” (Kathleen) Bigge of Laporte, Colo., Dianne (Sudie) Bigge of Juneau, Alaska, and David “Tony” (Tanya) Bigge of Anacortes, Wash.; eight grandchildren, Jason Bigge (Alisha), Josh Bigge (Julie), Stacey Clay, Michelle Neuwirth (Alvin), Kristina Cowling (Dan), Gretchen Bigge, Savannah Nielsen (Eric), and Cameron Bigge (Frannie); 10 great-grandchildren Brittany Contreras (Matthew), Cooper Bigge, Jackson Bigge, Carli Bigge, Jade Bigge, Anthony Neuwirth, Casen Lilly, Alexa Cowling, Kiara Cowling, and Natasha Cowling; one great-great-grandchild, Lyla Contreras; and many nieces and nephews.

Gertie prided herself on being a native-born Coloradoan. Her family moved from Hugo, Colo., to Stockton, Kansas, when she was just four years old. There, she attended school and married her high school sweetheart, Donald D. Bigge, in 1945. They lived on the Bigge family farm outside of Stockton until they moved to Fort Collins, Colo., in 1958.    

Gertie was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and volunteered at the church’s donation center, Mary’s Closet, for many years. She was a member of St. Monica and Rose of Lima Alter Societies. She was also a member of the American Legion and the Food Service Association.

Gertie started working for Poudre R1 School District Food Service in 1968 and retired as Cafeteria Manager in 1988, having worked at Poudre, Fort Collins, and Rocky Mountain High Schools. She was awarded Employee of the Year in 1988.

Gertie enjoyed traveling to visit her family, which took her to North Carolina, Mississippi, Washington, Alaska, and Missouri. She took every opportunity to check out the nearest National and State Parks. She lived at Brookdale Assisted Living, Fort Collins, Colo., for the last two years and enjoyed various activities and spending time with her friends. Her hobbies included crocheting, stained glass creations, ceramics, quilting, and embroidery. She was an avid card player and enjoyed reading and working on picture puzzles.

On December 28, 1988, she married Gilbert F. Bush. This happy marriage lasted only six months as Gib became ill and passed away on July 9, 1989. Also preceding her death were her husband, Don Bigge (1983), great-granddaughter Emma Kate (2006), two brothers, Vernon and Nicholas Koppes, and a sister, Philisene Probasco.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 29, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus, 121 Meldrum Street. Interment will follow the reception at noon at Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery beside her husband, Donald Bigge.

Donations in her honor may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and School in Fort Collins, Colorado. Visit bohlenderfuneralchapel.com to share memories with the family.