Obituary of Minnie L. Gess

Minnie L. Gess, 89, of Fort Atkinson passed away peacefully on June 24, 2020. She was born July 22, 1930 in Palmyra WI to Sam and Laura (Giles) Hooper. She graduated from Palmyra High School in 1948. She married Ronald Gess on April 7, 1956 at the Palmyra Methodist Church. She and her husband farmed in the Town of Hebron until his death in 1968 and she continued to farm with her sons. Gess Family Farm received Sesquicentennial Farm status in 2019. She was the treasurer for the Town of Hebron for 27 ½ years, retiring from that position in 1996. She also enjoyed raising chickens, gardening, bird watching, family history and all types of crafts.  She exhibited at the Jefferson County Fair as a youth, adult and senior. Minnie was a life member of the Bark River Woods Historical Society, designed their logo and was very active in preserving local history. She enjoyed wood carving at the Fort Atkinson Senior Center.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Walter, and brother-in-law Kenneth Rheineck. She is survived by her children Rich (Jean) Gess of Hebron, Kathy (Tom) Scheier of Dalton, Rod Gess of Hebron and Kris (Bob) Boehm of Cumberland; grandchildren Josh, Renee, Laura, Sarah, Kevin, John, Katie and Tracy; and nine great grandchildren. Also survived by sister-in-law Marilyn Rheineck and niece Corinne Rheineck.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Sunset Ridge Jefferson for the loving care they provided our mother in her final months and our appreciation to Marquart Hospice for their supportive care in her final weeks.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 313 W. Main Street, Palmyra, WI 53156, with burial in Hebron Cemetery, Town of Hebron, Wisconsin.

Friends may call from 10-11AM on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at the church until the time of the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Bark River Woods Historical Society. Memorials may be mailed to BRWHS, W4080 State Road 106 E.,  Fort Atkinson WI 53538.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, WI is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.