Marcella J Mertesdorf

Marcella J. Mertesdorf, age 94, of Mankato and formerly of Vernon Center, died Monday, July 21, 2008 at Sunrise Cottage of Mankato.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 25, 2008 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Vernon Center, with Rev. Vance Milbrath officiating. Burial will be in the Vernon Center Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at Mankato Mortuary, and continues one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Memorials are preferred to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, ISJ Hospice, or Sunrise Cottage of Mankato.

Marcella was born on May 23, 1914 in Judson. She was the daughter of Israel and Alma (Windhorn) Johnson. Marcella attended school in Judson and graduated from Mankato High School. She was united in marriage to Clement Mertesdorf on June 27, 1937 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Judson. They farmed and lived in Vernon Center for many years. Marcella received her RN degree from Immanuel Hospital, where she worked and later with the Lake Crystal Health Care Center. Later in life she moved to the Mankato Lutheran Home and then to Sunrise Cottage of Mankato. Marcella was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Vernon Center and was active in the Ladies Aid. She enjoyed needlework, playing cards and games, playing her organ, shopping, and especially spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Marcella is survived by her sons, John (Mary) Mertesdorf of Good Thunder and Tom Mertesdorf (special friend, Patty Savig) of Mankato; daughter, Dr. Jane Mertesdorf of Cedar Falls, IA; grandchildren, David Mertesdorf, Darla (Todd) Zuehlke, Dawn (Kal) Schmidt, and Tina (Mark) Rekowski; great-grandchildren, Johnathon, Jada, Kaleb, Kaden, and Shawn Thomas; step-grandchildren, Angela (Kevin) Effertz, Kim (Dan) Scicluna, and Adam (Lisa) Putrah; step-great-grandchildren, Cole, Ashley, Drew, Luke, Nathan, and Tess; sister, Caroline (John) Buckley of Redwood Falls; also several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clement in 1973; brothers, Raymond and Bill; and daughter-in-law, Barbara.

Thanks to those who recently gave her special care: Gloria, Nancy, Shelly, Kathy and the caring staff at Sunrise Cottage of Mankato. A special thank you to her niece, Mary Kay, who was with her to the end.