Gretchen Gerteis

"What is there to say?"
- Gerry Mulligan

Obituary

Gretchen Gerteis died on November 10, 2024 in Bloomington, MN. She was born Gretchen Van
Veen in Niagara Falls, NY on August 7, 1943.
Gretchen lived in St. Louis, MO most of her adult life, moving to the Twin Cities to be closer to family in 2009. Gretchen studied art at Antioch College, with a focus on pottery and stained glass. She continued to make art throughout her life, including creating numerous collages in recent years. She was an avid reader and deeply appreciated music – she loved jazz from an early age and later added a deep engagement with bluegrass. Gretchen struggled with mental health issues throughout her life but found solace in her family and friends. Gretchen is survived by her son Joseph Gerteis, daughter Jessie Gerteis, and grandsons Samuel (Sam) Gerteis, Charles (Charlie) Gerteis, and Oscar McCullough. She is also survived by her brothers Peter Van Veen and Mark Van Veen.

For those who would like to make a donation in Gretchen’s memory, please donate to Planned Parenthood Action Fund (https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org) or to Feline Rescue, a no-kill cat shelter in St. Paul where Gretchen volunteered (https://felinerescue.org/donate-now/).

Gallery

Memory wall

December 4, 2024

The monthly lunch meeting today of the YMCA Silver Sneakers group. We toasted our dear friend Gretchen and wished her peace. LeAnn Snyder, Bea Murray, Mary Schultz, Judy Davis, Nancy Davis, Donna Dunn, Vera Braga (missing).

LeAnn Snyder

December 4, 2024

Gretchen was the first friend I made after moving to St. Paul in 2018. We had so much fun together! Whether we were cooking at home or going out to a movie or art gallery or just listening to music, our times together were filled with laughter. And both of us so enjoyed our monthly luncheons with our fellow YMCA Silver Sneaker friends. I will miss her smile, wit and intelligence but I am so very grateful I got to have her in my life. Rest peacefully, dear friend.

LeAnn Snyder

December 3, 2024

Gretchen and I met at an outdoor music event when she lived in St Louis. We were close friends for almost 30 years. I could always count on Gretchen to suggest a unique film, a blues or bluegrass concert to attend, or a trip off the beaten path to an antique mall. I have fond memories of sitting on her back porch, drinking ice tea and discussing a wide range of topics. She held the confidences I shared with her, cupped in the palm of her hands. She was one of the most interesting women I have known. I will miss her, but cherish the memory of our time together. I am grateful she is at peace.

Ellen Stillwell

December 3, 2024

I have fond memories of Aunt Gretchen as a child, and was fortunate enough to reconnect as a young adult. We stayed in touch for many years.
I remember her as "arty" and cool, caring and passionate.

Carolyn Suitor (Klaassen)

December 3, 2024

I didn't know "Aunt Gretchen" in my adult life but have fond childhood memories of her as being kind and generous.

Jen Klaassen

December 2, 2024

I met Gretchen in 1978 when we were assigned to the same office at Washington University Medical School in St. Louis. We had a lot of fun, along with Alan, another office mate. We eventually went our separate ways, job-wise and city-wise, but stayed in touch. We had become close in a special way.

As Gretchen used to say, we were very different people, but there was a bond there. We never ran out of things to discuss. She was one of the few people with whom I could share anything. A friendship of 44 years is very deep. I'm greatfull I had that friendship with her. I will miss her.

Nancy McKellar

November 22, 2024

Gretchen and I were neighbours for approximately 10 years. During that time I have become accustomed to her early morning laundry routines, our interchange knocks on the adjoining wall to check on each other and the visit back-and-forth. Gretchen had an inner strength that at times I would draw on. We shared, smiles, laughter, tears, joys, and sorrows. I will miss Gretchen greatly. Be at peace, dear Gretchen.

Gary Allan