Gertrude E. Neste, 96, longtime Palmer resident and also of Gwinn, passed away peacefully Monday night, August 6, 2018 at the Eastwood Nursing Center with her loving family by her side.

Gert was born May 1, 1922 in Palmer, the daughter of the late John and Olga (Helander) Korpi. She married her high school sweetheart, Tapio ‘Tap’ Neste on November 21, 1942. They were two of ten classmates of Palmer High School’s Class of 1940. He preceded her death in February, 1996.

Gert was employed at the Gossard and the Alcoa Aluminum Factory in Spokane, WA, where she worked during the WWII war effort. After the war, Gert and Tap owned and operated Neste’s Northland Store in Palmer and she later worked at Trewhella’s IGA after the closing of their store.

Gert was known for her kind and generous spirit, always remembering her grandchildren and great-grandchildren during birthdays and Christmas. Her daughter and grandchildren could always count on a QVC box under the Christmas tree. She was a member of the Merry Mixers in Gwinn, and was proud of her 15 years of volunteering for RSVP, making lap robes and knitted hats for the military serving in Iraq. She also loved to bake, especially elephant ears which were a favorite of her grandchildren. She was a gifted seamstress and loved to knit and crochet. Monday’s were always set aside for playing cards with her special pals.

Surviving are her loving daughter, Betty (Gerry) Maki of Gwinn; three grandchildren: Todd (Kimberly) Maki of Ironwood, Mike (Laura) Maki of Gladstone and Jenny (Sam) Messina of Marquette; eight great-grandchildren: Gabbi, Keaton and Brynn Maki, Isaac and Sonya Maki, and Ann Marie, Anthony and Elizabeth Messina; sisters-in-law, Kasey Korpi of Gwinn and Helen Korpi of Marquette; a special ‘sister friend,’ Jean Laituri; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three brothers: Leslie, Eugene ‘Mello’ and Jack Korpi; sisters-in-law, Bernice Korpi and Norma Korpi; and nephew Billy Korpi.

Mrs. Neste’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Eastwood Nursing Center for their loving care provided.

Honoring Gert’s wishes, private graveside services will be held.