Gertrude Scott
December 13th, 1929 - April 1st, 2026
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Gertrude's Obituary
Gertrude J. Scott, 96, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, April 1, 2026, at Forest Glen Assisted Living in Dowagiac.
She was born on December 13, 1929, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to John Sr. and Elsie (Doorlag) Van Den Berg. On September 16, 1950, she married the love of her life, Kenneth W. Scott, beginning a partnership that would span many cherished years.
Gertrude dedicated 37 years of her life to Dowagiac Public Schools, where she was a familiar and trusted presence until her retirement. Outside of work, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved gathering around the table for a good card game—especially bridge—often sharing laughter and friendly competition with family and friends. An avid reader and traveler, she enjoyed both quiet moments with a good book and adventures that took her beyond her hometown.
Gertrude was especially gifted with her hands. She spent countless hours sewing, quilting, knitting, and cross-stitching, creating pieces that will continue to warm and comfort her loved ones for years to come. In her retirement, she gave back to her community by volunteering at Borgess Lee Hospital’s gift shop, where she proudly sold her handmade dishcloths.
She also had a playful side and took great delight in playing the Michigan Lottery—particularly her beloved scratch-offs—always hopeful for a lucky win.
Above all, Gertrude’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will remember her for her warmth, her creativity, and the love she so freely gave.
She is lovingly survived by her children, Brenda Kroepel and David (LuAnn) Scott; her grandchildren, Marci (Darin) Payne, Jeffrey (Chris) Kroepel, Jennifer (Greg) Wilson, Megan (Michael) Johnson, and Kenneth Scott; and her eleven great-grandchildren, Drew, Aaron, Zach, Kendall, Ella, Addison, Alivia, Hunter, Penelope, Avery, and Emilia. She is also survived by her sisters, Grace VanderWeele and Carol Nord; her brother, John Van Den Berg Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Scott; her parents, John and Elsie Van Den Berg; and her sisters, Harriet Smith, Johanna Schreuder, and Alice VanBeck.
Gertrude will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her gentle spirit, her talents, and the love she shared with all who knew her.
Honoring Gertrude’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service to celebrate Gertrude’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Riverside Cemetery, 400 Riverside Dr, Dowagiac. She will be remembered for her warmth, her quiet strength, and the love she gave so freely.
Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac.
Those wishing to share a memory or leave condolences are invited to visit Gertrude’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
She was born on December 13, 1929, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to John Sr. and Elsie (Doorlag) Van Den Berg. On September 16, 1950, she married the love of her life, Kenneth W. Scott, beginning a partnership that would span many cherished years.
Gertrude dedicated 37 years of her life to Dowagiac Public Schools, where she was a familiar and trusted presence until her retirement. Outside of work, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved gathering around the table for a good card game—especially bridge—often sharing laughter and friendly competition with family and friends. An avid reader and traveler, she enjoyed both quiet moments with a good book and adventures that took her beyond her hometown.
Gertrude was especially gifted with her hands. She spent countless hours sewing, quilting, knitting, and cross-stitching, creating pieces that will continue to warm and comfort her loved ones for years to come. In her retirement, she gave back to her community by volunteering at Borgess Lee Hospital’s gift shop, where she proudly sold her handmade dishcloths.
She also had a playful side and took great delight in playing the Michigan Lottery—particularly her beloved scratch-offs—always hopeful for a lucky win.
Above all, Gertrude’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will remember her for her warmth, her creativity, and the love she so freely gave.
She is lovingly survived by her children, Brenda Kroepel and David (LuAnn) Scott; her grandchildren, Marci (Darin) Payne, Jeffrey (Chris) Kroepel, Jennifer (Greg) Wilson, Megan (Michael) Johnson, and Kenneth Scott; and her eleven great-grandchildren, Drew, Aaron, Zach, Kendall, Ella, Addison, Alivia, Hunter, Penelope, Avery, and Emilia. She is also survived by her sisters, Grace VanderWeele and Carol Nord; her brother, John Van Den Berg Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Scott; her parents, John and Elsie Van Den Berg; and her sisters, Harriet Smith, Johanna Schreuder, and Alice VanBeck.
Gertrude will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her gentle spirit, her talents, and the love she shared with all who knew her.
Honoring Gertrude’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service to celebrate Gertrude’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Riverside Cemetery, 400 Riverside Dr, Dowagiac. She will be remembered for her warmth, her quiet strength, and the love she gave so freely.
Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac.
Those wishing to share a memory or leave condolences are invited to visit Gertrude’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
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