Gert Pickett, age 97, of Monroe, died on Monday, July 5, 2010 at Pleasant View Nursing Home. She was one of Marie Geissberger's and Charles Benkert's seven children, and was born on the family farm outside of Monroe. She married Frank Pickett in 1940 and they lived most of their lives in Monroe where they raised two children, Dan and Merrilee. They resided in Ann Arbor, Michigan for a few years during World War II where they both worked for a munitions plant. Frank died in 1969. Gert attended Madison Business College and worked as a legal secretary and also for Ekum Abstracts. After retiring in 1977, she hiked in New Zealand, the Alaskan wilderness, the Grand Canyon, England, Ireland, Scotland, and in her mother's homeland, Switzerland. Gert treasured wildlife and the outdoors, instilling in her children and grandchildren her love of nature. She was an avid gardener, birder, and "rock hound." She was editor of the Badger Lapidary & Geological Society's newsletter for many years. She was active in St. John's United Church of Christ, and was an enthusiastic Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. Gert also wrote poetry and short stories, one of which received a runner-up award from the UW-Extension.
She is survived by two children, Dan of Monroe (Margaret Huber), and Merrilee of Madison (Tom Heine); two grandsons, Dan (Tina) and Doug (Jodi); five step-granddaughters, Jesse Marcks (James), Sarah Schliem (James), Beth Retzlaff (Cim), Lynn Peterson (Mark) and Jennifer Williams (David); 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Gert has one surviving sister, Leona Wartenweiler of Monroe.
She is preceded in death by two brothers, Ed and Walter Benkert, and three sisters, Frieda Thomm, Ada Speich and Ruth McCurry.
A memorial service will be held on July 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ in Monroe. The Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Special thanks to the staff of Pleasant View Nursing Home for the excellent care they gave to this very spirited woman as she struggled with Alzheimer's.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc., the Green Co. Humane Society, or St. John's United Church of Christ. On line condolences may be made to Shriner111.com.
She is survived by two children, Dan of Monroe (Margaret Huber), and Merrilee of Madison (Tom Heine); two grandsons, Dan (Tina) and Doug (Jodi); five step-granddaughters, Jesse Marcks (James), Sarah Schliem (James), Beth Retzlaff (Cim), Lynn Peterson (Mark) and Jennifer Williams (David); 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Gert has one surviving sister, Leona Wartenweiler of Monroe.
She is preceded in death by two brothers, Ed and Walter Benkert, and three sisters, Frieda Thomm, Ada Speich and Ruth McCurry.
A memorial service will be held on July 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ in Monroe. The Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Special thanks to the staff of Pleasant View Nursing Home for the excellent care they gave to this very spirited woman as she struggled with Alzheimer's.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc., the Green Co. Humane Society, or St. John's United Church of Christ. On line condolences may be made to Shriner111.com.