Jeanette Mayer

Jeanette Mayer, age 74, of Erskine, MN, passed away on Friday (August 8th) at First Care Hospital in Fosston. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday (August 11th) at the United Methodist Church in Erskine with the Rev. Sarah Lawton officiating. Interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis at a later date. Friends may call for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Erskine and sympathy messages may be sent at www.carlinhoialmen.com. Jean was born on August 7, 1934 on a farm north of Erskine and spent her young years growing up in that area. She attended the little country school through the eighth grade. And while she had friends, more often than not, she was in the house helping her mother with cooking, cleaning and other household chores. She seemed more of a grownup than a child.She married at 17, and they lived at various places in Erskine for the next several years, during which time she had three children-LaVonne, Steven, and Allan. In 1964, they moved to Minneapolis where they adjusted nicely to city life, and made many new friends. Jean was always outgoing and friendly and definitely a "people person". She loved going out to eat with her friends, or going dancing, or just inviting them to her home. And not only were her friends welcome there, but her children's friends were always welcome as well. I'm sure there were many times when Jean felt she had more than three children of her own. She worked at a nursing home there for many years. She was also active at Simpson Church in Minneapolis, being involved in Bible study, hosting the Circles and doing much of the kitchen work for various occasions. But she seemed happiest when she was taking care of her family and keeping a nice house. Her kids, grandkids, and great grands were the most important things in her life. Yet when it was necessary she was able to take care of herself, and worked very hard to do so.Her sense of family showed itself in all the holidays, with Christmas always being a big affair at their house. Family, friends and relatives were always welcome. This family connection also carried over to siblings. She was always fairly close with her brother, and during these later years she connected more with her two younger sisters also, going on long weekend trips every year. They claimed to be seeing the sights but mainly they laughed and ate-and laughed some more.She liked being with people and enjoyed many things-gardening, reading, writing letters, dancing, playing cards and travel.In 1998, with her children grown and on their own, she moved back to Erskine. She reconnected with old friends and made some new ones. She continued her dancing at the Embassy in Fosston and found a new pastime-going to auctions. She enjoyed the quieter lifestyle here, but missed her friends in Minneapolis. Jean had many losses in her life, each one leaving a hole in her heart. She lost her husband, her mother, and a grandson, all within a very short period of time, and more recently the loss of her youngest son. Now, with her leaving, there will be a hole in many of our lives. Let us all fill those holes with happy memories of her.In closing, Jean-mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, friend-goodbye! We'll miss you very much!!!She is survived by one daughter, LaVonne (Richard) Drake of Blaine, MN; one son, Steven (Sue) Mayer of Erskine; one daughter-in-law, Deb Mayer of Shakopee, MN; six grandchildren, Jason, Jacob, Adam, Samara, Lisa and Brent; nine great grandchildren, Yvette, Ruben, Rhiana, Jonathan, Dylan, Justin, Rachel, Alex and Tori.Also surviving are two sisters, Sharon Rudolph of Erskine, and Geneva (Kenneth) Jorgenson of Rockford, MN; one brother, Walter (Jean) Patterson of Newfolden, MN. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and one son, Allan.