John was preceded in death by his wife Beatrice (Urquhart) Gjertsen; brother George (Evelyn) Gjertsen; sister; Helen (Earl) Whalen; and great granddaughter Emma Huibregtse. He is survived by children; Carolyn (Ken) Huibregtse, John (Buzz) Jr. (Susan) Gjertsen; grandchildren; Matthew, Jonathan (Kathy), Sarah (Chris) Showalter great grandchildren; Molly, Jacob, Chloe, Clara, Simon, Colton, & Sadie. Born August 26, 1924 to Ingebret & Hilma (Ljunquist) Gjertsen, in Waltham, Massachusetts (MA), he grew up in Watertown MA graduating from Watertown Senior High School in 1942. He entered the Army on his 19th birthday in 1943 and served in France during WWII. He also served active duty in the Air Force from 1951 - 1953.
After meeting her on a blind date, John married his wife of 69 yrs. Beatrice Urquhart on September 20, 1947. He was a self educated mechanical engineer and an avid reader. He built his own home in Billerica, MA where he and Bea raised their 2 children. John started his working career as a draftsman and spent many years at General Electric Co. in their jet engine division, then at Itek Corporation where he designed cameras for submarine periscopes and aerial surveillance, among other projects. He spent his final working years designing windmills for U.S. Windpower.
After his retirement, he and Bea moved to Grand Island, NE and they spent many wonderful days with new friends, with family, and traveling to various parts of the country camping together. Since Beatrice passed away he spent his final years in Bennington, NE enjoying his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He often spoke of the wonderful family and extended family God blessed him with. As John looked back, he was grateful for how much God’s Hand had been in his life.
He went to be with his beloved wife just 4 months shy of his 100th birthday. He will be greatly missed.
