Gretchen Marie Meredith, 74, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
Gretchen was born July 2, 1950, in Springfield, Minnesota to Clem and Audrey (Pulkrabek) Lehrer. As the second born of eleven children, Gretchen grew up valuing the importance of family. As a child, her family often spent time in the great outdoors, camping and canoeing. Gretchen was known for her talented swimming skills and was always quick to dip her feet in the water any chance she’d get.
Gretchen graduated in 1968 from Springfield High School. After graduation she attended the Rochester Community College and received an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1971. She worked at St. Marys Hospital where she worked as an R.N. on the Medical Surgical floor. After one of her hospital shifts in 1972, Gretchen met Kip and they were married on May 24, 1974, at St. Bridget’s Church in Simpson, Minnesota. She was employed as an R.N. in Surgery at Olmsted Community Hospital for several years and went on to teach the Surgical Technician Program at Rochester Area Vocational Technical Institute. After teaching, she worked at the Maple Manor Nursing Home up until 1985 due to restrictions after back surgery. She started working at the Post Bulletin fulltime as an editorial assistant and was employed there for 29 years until retirement in 2015 to pursue her favorite job yet; a full time Grandma to her one and only grandchild, Kaylin.
When Gretchen wasn’t occupied being wrapped around her granddaughter’s finger, she enjoyed spending time and keeping in touch with her large family, chatting with friends, cross stitching, tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, bird watching, and was a lifelong animal lover. She was always quick to make a friend and could easily spark up a conversation. Gretchen had a kind heart and was such a sweet lady who we will miss dearly.
Gretchen is survived by her daughter Kate, son John (Stephanie), granddaughter Kaylin; mother Audrey; ten siblings Mark (Colleen), Chris (Denny), Jeama (Dan), Karen (Eugene), Art (LeAnn), Ruth (Kurt), Carol (Mike), Lisa (Brad), Mary (Troy), and Cathy (Tim); many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Kip; father Clem; father and mother in-law Harold and Bonnie.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Season’s Hospice.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
The post Gretchen M. Meredith appeared first on Macken Funeral Home.