Obituary for Patsy Gale Gerde (Greene)
Patsy Gale Gerde of Minneapolis completed her earthly journey on July 28, 2022, at the age of 93. Patsy was born on November 26, 1928, in Birmingham, Alabama to Peggy and Kirk Greene. In 1939, they moved to Minneapolis, which was her home for the next 82 years. Patsy attended Southwest High School and Hamline University where, through a mutual friend she met her future husband, Max Calvin Gerde, known to many as Cal. They were married on March 19, 1949, and together they raised two daughters, Jani and Anne.
Patsy was a stay-at-home mom for several years. Her career path, which spanned over three decades, involved flowers in various ways – designing floral arrangements at Bachman’s; working for European Flower Markets; and finally Floral Merchandising Systems, where she worked until her retirement at age 70. Her lifelong love of flowers and gardening was also evident in her beautiful gardens.
Patsy and Cal loved spending summer weekends at their cabin in Spooner, Wisconsin, and winter vacations in Florida and Arizona.
Life was an adventure for Patsy, and she lived life to the fullest. Patsy was known to many as the “Energizer Bunny,” always on the go, asking, “What shall we do now?” She was always willing to try something new, never letting age stand in her way. An avid golfer, Patsy played until she was 90. She took up downhill skiing at age 60, ballroom dancing at age 75, and tap dancing at age 84. Ballroom dancing became her passion, and she competed both domestically and internationally until she was 88, winning many first prizes during that time. Her boundless energy and positive attitude have been an inspiration to many people. The “hostess with the mostest,” Patsy loved to entertain. Whether it was a small group of friends or family, or the annual neighborhood alley party that she hosted, she always outdid herself.
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Peggy and Kirk Greene; her husband, Dr. Max Gerde; and her son-in-law, Art Turnier. She is survived by her daughters Jani Turnier and Anne Westby (Doug); grandchildren Max Turnier (April Nault), Luke Turnier (Jessica), Jenna Westby (Ryan Verhulst), and Linda Westby; and great grandchildren Camille, Marc, Bryce, Lily, and Sylvie.
A special thank you to English Rose Suites and Park Nicollet Hospice for their compassionate care during her last days.
A Celebration of Life for Patsy will be held on Friday, August 5, at 11:00 a.m., at the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Avenue with visitation and reviewal beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery. If so desired, memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S.,
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612-861-6088
Patsy was a stay-at-home mom for several years. Her career path, which spanned over three decades, involved flowers in various ways – designing floral arrangements at Bachman’s; working for European Flower Markets; and finally Floral Merchandising Systems, where she worked until her retirement at age 70. Her lifelong love of flowers and gardening was also evident in her beautiful gardens.
Patsy and Cal loved spending summer weekends at their cabin in Spooner, Wisconsin, and winter vacations in Florida and Arizona.
Life was an adventure for Patsy, and she lived life to the fullest. Patsy was known to many as the “Energizer Bunny,” always on the go, asking, “What shall we do now?” She was always willing to try something new, never letting age stand in her way. An avid golfer, Patsy played until she was 90. She took up downhill skiing at age 60, ballroom dancing at age 75, and tap dancing at age 84. Ballroom dancing became her passion, and she competed both domestically and internationally until she was 88, winning many first prizes during that time. Her boundless energy and positive attitude have been an inspiration to many people. The “hostess with the mostest,” Patsy loved to entertain. Whether it was a small group of friends or family, or the annual neighborhood alley party that she hosted, she always outdid herself.
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Peggy and Kirk Greene; her husband, Dr. Max Gerde; and her son-in-law, Art Turnier. She is survived by her daughters Jani Turnier and Anne Westby (Doug); grandchildren Max Turnier (April Nault), Luke Turnier (Jessica), Jenna Westby (Ryan Verhulst), and Linda Westby; and great grandchildren Camille, Marc, Bryce, Lily, and Sylvie.
A special thank you to English Rose Suites and Park Nicollet Hospice for their compassionate care during her last days.
A Celebration of Life for Patsy will be held on Friday, August 5, at 11:00 a.m., at the Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Avenue with visitation and reviewal beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery. If so desired, memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S.,
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612-861-6088