Marie Nelson Gertken

Marie Nelson Gertken (ne Anderson) was born on 11-1-50 in Lake Preston, South Dakota to Ralph and Margaret Anderson. She died on 5-28-2017 at Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Marys Campus following a long illness. She was 66 years, 7 months old. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Randy Nelson and nephew, Matthew MacGregor. She is survived by her husband Jerome Gertken; son Paul (Shannon) Meier and grandchildren Cameron, Allison and Dawson; sister Leslie Anderson; two nieces Jennifer (Adam) Thoreson and their children Macy and Chase; Rebecca Anhorn and her son, Meilyr; one nephew, Joshua (Cassie) Brase and their children, Colin and Cayden. Cayden was Maries and Jeromes godchild. Marie graduated from Lake Preston High School in 1969 and moved to Rochester, MN where she lived until her death. Marie was an office worker and secretary until retirement. Marie and Jerome were married in May, 2003 and were a devoted couple for 24 years. Marie was an active member of the Local VFW for a number of years as a tribute to her father who was a WWII Army veteran. Marie was proud of her grandchildren and loved displaying their pictures and relating their accomplishments. Marie had a soft heart for animals and doted on her pet cats, some adopted when their caretakers died. She had several collections (dolls, Coca Cola memorabilia, and others) and she enjoyed searching yard sales and thrift stores for items to add. She liked doing arts and crafts and playing board and card games. Marie had a kind heart and along with Jerome lent a helping hand to friends and family. Please join us for a Gathering of Remembrance on June 24th from 1-4 p.m. at the home of Maries sister-in-law, Debbie (Andy) Nordquist, 509 8th Street SW, Faribault, with the memorial program at 2:00 p.m. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com