Gretchen E. Adams

Gretchen Elizabeth Adams, age 18, of Mankato, died unexpectedly following a sudden illness, Friday, May 26, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 5, 2017 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mankato. Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m., Sunday, June 4, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and one hour before service on Monday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Northview – North Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her memory to the Dance Conservatory of Southern Minnesota or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Gretchen was born May 20, 1999 to Matthew and Lisa (Whalen) Adams in Mankato. She was a 2017 Mankato East High School Senior. Gretchen loved life and was active in the Dance Conservatory of Southern Minnesota and her church, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. She enjoyed school and her many teachers and staff. She was part of the work program at Mankato East and enjoyed her time helping students at Kennedy Elementary School and her job at Kentucky Fried Chicken. She loved to dance, play piano, play games, do puzzles, and ride her bike. Gretchen is survived by her parents, Matt and Lisa Adams; brother, Zachary Adams; sister, Stephanie Adams (Tony Bracken); niece, Laynee Bracken; grandmothers, Judy Whalen and Lorna Adams; her dog, Joey; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Terry Whalen and Don Adams; special great-grandmother, Margaret Johnson, great-grandfather, Wilfred Johnson, great-grandmother, Clara “Snooks” Whalen, and great-grandfather, Francis Whalen.