Appendix 4: Marian Letter Sent After Her Death

Dear Friends,

I wanted to let you know that Marian Garrett peacefully passed away on Saturday morning, the first of June.

As you know, she had been in ill-health for some time and had been a resident at Hillcrest Health Care in Wayzata, MN, for about two and a half years. Although she was increasingly confused, she could remember old friends as if it were yesterday.

Marian was proud of many things, including her German heritage, her graduation from Theda Clark School of Nursing in Neenah, WI, her family, and her many friends in Antigo, Lorimor, Pleasantville, Colfax, and Mason City.

She enjoyed all of the cards and the letters that people sent her during her stay at Hillcrest. Although she wanted to respond to everyone, she was not able to do so. I think she had in mind exactly what she wanted to say, but could just never get pen to paper.

The funeral service at St. John's in Mason City was the same as Ken's, which was what Marian wanted. Though the day was cool and overcast, it did not rain and the brief ceremony at the cemetery was very poignant.

My brother Kenneth, all of the grandchildren, Marian's sister Mildred and her son Don were there, and I know Marian would have been glad to know that we were all together. Marian was very appreciative of all the support given to her over the years and the warm feelings expressed by her friends and family. If you have any particular remembrance of her that you wish to share, I would include that in my family genealogy record.

Sincerely,
Craig R. Garrett