ANNA L. GARRETSON
Article Photos
Anna LaRaine Garretson, 62, of Fort Dodge entered her heavenly eternal home July 25, 2009 after a long struggle with diabetes. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2009 at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Phil Somsen officiating. Anna will be cremated following the funeral service. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Anna was born April 7, 1947 in Stromsburg, Nebraska, to Harold and Elaine (Treadway) Heise. She was raised in rural Omaha and received her formal education in Omaha Public Schools. She attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln as a National Merit Semi-Finalist graduating with a double major in English and French. She also completed a Master's Degree from Drake University. She taught for two years in Oakland-Craig Public Schools in Nebraska before beginning her teaching career in Fort Dodge. She taught English at Fort Dodge Senior High School from 1976 until retiring in 2004 due to ill health.
Anna married Jerry Garretson in Columbus, Nebraska on July 7, 1979.
Anna is survived by her husband of thirty years, Jerry; son, John (Lora) Garretson of Fort Dodge; daughter, Amy Garretson of Cedar Falls; sister, Marilyn Strong of Clermont, FL; stepson, Larry Garretson of Fort Dodge; She was blessed with two grandchildren: John Garretson Jr. and Kirstyn Garretson both of Fort Dodge; niece, Jessica (Timothy) Lyons of Clermont, FL; great-nephew, Marcus Jackson and great-niece, Kayla Lyons both of Clermont, FL; and a large extended family. Anna was preceded in death by her parents.
Anna was a gifted teacher. She loved working at Fort Dodge Senior High School where she touched the lives of many with her intelligence, wit and engaging smile. She was a talented seamstress. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Anna will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her family and friends. Requiescat in pace.
Memorials may be left to the family for their further discretion.
