Gretchen Jensen Erickson, 104, Kasson

Gretchen Jensen Erickson, 104, of Kasson passed away Wednesday, Jan. 9 at her residence at Prairie Meadows Senior Living in Kasson.  
Gretchen was born Sept. 17, 1914 to Merton A. and Edith M. Bartholomew Jensen in Bowbells, N.D.  She graduated from Wabasha High School in 1932 and from Hamline University in 1936.
Gretchen taught high school commercial studies in Medford, Kasson and Byron. She married Bruce A. Erickson on Dec. 20, 1943 in Owatonna. Gretchen was very active in her local community and church.  She was a member of the Kasson American Legion Auxiliary as well as the Kasson Library board.
Gretchen was the first woman to serve on the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church vestry, the first woman to serve on the Zumbro Valley Country Club board of directors and was a founding board member of the Mantorville Theatre Company.
Gretchen is survived by two sons; Jon of Whitewater, Wis., and Tony of St. Paul.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 2007.
A memorial service for Gretchen was held on Saturday, Jan. 12 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Kasson, with Father James Zotalis officiating.