Geraldine Mae Vangsness

Geraldine “Jerry” Mae Vangsness, 94, of Wanamingo, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems Saint Marys Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Minneola Lutheran Church, 13638 County 50 Boulevard, Goodhue, Minnesota. Pastor Hannah Bergstrom de Leon will officiate the service. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church, followed by burial at the church cemetery. A luncheon will be held afterward in the church fellowship hall.

Geraldine was born on September 12, 1930, in Zumbrota, Minnesota, to Charles and Bertha (Benson) Grover. She was the youngest of her siblings: Lillian, who died at the age of 3, and brothers Vernon (Olga), Lyle (June), Charles (Frances), and Harvey (Jean). She also had two half-brothers, Roy and Lester Grover. Jerry spent her childhood in Zumbrota in the home built by Barker C. Grover, which is now part of the Zumbrota-Mazeppa school complex. She graduated from Zumbrota High School. On July 28, 1950, she married John A. Vangsness in Hawaii, where he was stationed with the U.S. Army.

Jerry held several office jobs throughout her life, but her most notable role was as a telephone operator for the Zumbrota Telephone Company. Later in life, she worked at Northwest/Delta Airlines. Known as an exceptional seamstress, she crafted clothing for her family. Jerry was also talented in Norwegian Hardanger embroidery and rosemaling painting. An avid gardener with a keen eye for a tidy lawn, she took great pride in her home. Jerry and John enjoyed many travel adventures, most notably to Norway, to trace their roots. After her husband John passed away in 1994, Jerry started wood carving, creating intricate chip-carved plates, coasters, crosses, and a variety of figurines.

Jerry loved her pets and had a keen interest in many animals. She traced her English and Norwegian roots back generations. Always engaged with current events, she remained well-informed up until her final days.

Jerry is survived by her children and grandchildren: John (Marilyn) Vangsness, their children John Vangsness (Nicole Calabrese), Anna Vangsness (Carlos Lumbi), and grandchild Xochitl Lumbi Vangsness; Barbara Kittelson, her children Sara (Matt) Putnam and grandchildren Riley and Nathan; Eric (Bridgett) Kittelson and grandchild Kellan; Emily Kittelson (Isaiah Pacey); Sharon Hitchcock, her children Shaun (Nicole), and grandchildren Shane and Aydin ; Melissa Hitchcock and grandchildren Braylee, Cherish, Mateo Hitchcock, and Levi Hill. 

Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, her siblings, and many beloved relatives, including nephews, a niece, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins across the Midwest.

Condolences may be shared online at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com