Gerken, Mildred L. (Garaghty) 1910-2007

GERKEN, GARAGHTY, FELLER, RUSSELL

Posted By: Mary Cameron (email)
Date: 12/31/2007 at 18:30:28

Mildred L. Gerken, 97, of the Elkader Nursing Home died November 26, 2007, at Central Community Hospital. Private services will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home of Elkader is taking care of arrangements.

Mildred was born May 10, 1910. to Mike and Frona Garaghty of Elkader. Mildred graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School and State Teacher's College. In 1939, she married Alfred Gerken. Together they had one daughter, Kay (Mrs. Bob Feller) of Cedar Rapids and one son, John (Diane) Gerken of Cascade. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

In her sixty years of employment Mildred worked as a country school teacher, as an accountant for the Light and Power Company, as secretary for attorney, Jim Hart, and bookkeeper for Production Credit. She retired for the second time at age eighty from the Clayton County Sheriff's Department.

Mildred's passions in life included her family and friends, playing cards, clubs, and traveling.

Surviving besides her two children are a sister, Corinne Russell, of Elkader; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her brother, Eldon Garaghty, and a great grandson, Austin Saner.

Thank you to the Elkader Care Center, Central Community Hospital and Hospice.

Clayton County Register, November 28, 2007