Shirley 'Tootie' Gerdes

Shirley Tootie Gerdes passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health System- St. James. Shirley Mardelle Tootie Gerdes was born on April 22nd, 1935, in Madelia, MN, the daughter of Fern (Ogden) and Dale Kelsey. On September 28, 2017 Tootie changed her address from Ormsby to Heaven, after a 15 month battle with cancer. She surrendered and she is now in the loving arms of her Savior Jesus. During that time her motto was Let the cares of tomorrow wait til this day is done. Tootie was a loving, caring and giving person. She was a compassionate nurse for over 50 years. Tootie had many talents including: cooking, sewing, drawing, and could she ever talk. She was even known to bend a few nails while woodworking, an activity she loved. Tootie was married to Harry Gerdes in February 1958. They have four children who will treasure their memories of her always. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchild dearly, as they loved their Grandma Gerdes. Tootie is survived by her husband Harry Gerdes of Ormsby, children; Dr. Jeffrey (Dr. Terri) Gerdes of Sartel, John Gerdes of Ormsby, Dr. James (Stephanie) Gerdes of Lake Park, Jean (Jonathan Bentz) Gerdes of Truman, 12 grandchildren; Harrison, Hannah, Rachel, Greta, Jordan, Ashley, Erin, Benjamin, Caitlin, Bowdin, Effie, Maisie, 1 great-grandson Tobias, 8 brothers and sisters; Maxine (Paul), Dale (Judy), Marjorie (David), Carol (Don), Ronald (Jean), Charlotte (Jerold), Malcolm (Karen) and Valerie (Gary). She is preceded in death by her parents and a sister Donna Jean. Visitation 1 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday, October 2, 2017 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Visitation 2 9:00 am - 10:00 am Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Waverly Lutheran Church 1333 220th St. Trimont, Minnesota, United States 56176 Service Information 10:00 am Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Waverly Lutheran Church 1333 220th St. Trimont, Minnesota, United States 56176 Interment Information Waverly Cemetery 1333 220th St. Trimont, Minnesota, United States 56176 Fellowship Please join the family for lunch following the burial