Mathilda M. Girtz

Mathilda M. Girtz, 90 year old resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Friday, March 20, 2009 at the St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, March 27, 2009 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls, MN with Nicholas Landsberger officiating. Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery in Little Falls, MN. Friends may call from 4-8 P.M. on Thursday and from 10-11 A.M. on Friday at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Christian Mothers will pray the rosary at 4:30 P.M. on Thursday at the Shelley Funeral Chapel. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Mathilda (Preimesberger) Girtz was born on October 8th, 1918 in Pierz, MN to the late Joseph and Susan (Ross) Preimesberger. Mathilda grew up on a farm just north of Pierz where she lived with 2 brothers and 2 sisters, and attended school in Pierz until the 8th grade. During her youth she and her sister Delores played guitar and sang with the Country band ‘The Texas Panhandlers’. She worked on the Preimesberger family farm until she fell in love with and was married to Elmer J. Girtz on November 27th, 1948 after his return from Military Service. They resided briefly in Pierz. Mathilda and Elmer then moved to Little Falls in 1951 and lived in the home affectionately referred to as the ‘Green House’ on the corner of 5th Avenue and 6th Street NE for over 50 years. There they raised 5 children whom she cherished deeply. She was a full-time mom and dedicated her life to her family. Her love of music carried on through her life as she passed musical appreciation and artistic talent to her children. She bestowed on them a love of music, learning, and showed an undying commitment to their well being, also giving them the intuitive gift of knowing right from wrong that continues to provide guidance and direction in their lives today. Mathilda was the family accountant, doctor, nurse, musician, teacher, and ever-present supporter of her husband and children. She was able to prepare seven-course meals for family and friends with little notice, and was always around when her children needed comfort, care, or encouragement. She was an expert baker of bread, Kuchen, and cakes and will be fondly remembered for her ‘Christmas Cutout Cookies’ that she made with her children and grandchildren. Mathilda loved gardening, bird watching, and crafting, and was even quite experienced using e-mail to correspond with people well into her 80’s. She loved her grandchildren incredibly and always shared her skills and as she took care of them during countless ‘Grandmother Sessions’. Her greatest joys were centered on her family, and she was a bit sad, yet understanding, as “all of the birds left their nest” to find their place in life. She was a devoted and faithful wife for 59 years and spent the last 3 1/2 years of her life as a resident of St. Otto’s Care Center in Little Falls. Mathilda and her family were particularly pleased with the great care provided by the 2nd floor nursing staff, especially Nurse Mary. Mathilda was always involved in St. Otto’s activities until her passing and will be remembered especially for all of her hand-written correspondence with her neighbors, family and friends. Her undying Christian faith, her sparkling blue eyes, wry sense of humor, wistful smile, and her life of service to her family will be her greatest legacy and will always be remembered. We miss her very much. Mathilda is survived by her sons Robert (Marilyn) of Little Falls, Gordon (Andrea) of Shoreview, David (Susan Holley) of Sauk Rapids, Mary (Stan) Juber of Ledyard, CT, and Paul of Clear Creek, CO; 9 grandchildren: Emily (David) Crilly, Sartell; Robbie Girtz, Murfreesboro, TN; Christian Girtz, Minneapolis, Anne Marie Girtz, Kewlona, B.C.; Allison (Daniel) Antoine, Milford, IA; Jill Girtz, Grand Rapids, MI; Stephen Girtz, Sauk Rapids, and Samantha and Bethany Juber, Ledyard, CT.; and one Great-Granddaughter, Elliana Mae Antoine. She is also survived by her youngest brother, Jerome, of Mesa, AZ. Mathilda was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Susan, infant brother Leo, sisters Delores and Madeline, and her brother Simon, and her beloved husband, Elmer, on February 25th, 2007. In honor of Mathilda’s life and of her surviving breast cancer and heart surgery, donations to these life saving causes are encouraged.

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Mathilda M. Girtz

October 8, 1918 - March 20, 2009