1934 – Louise Gervais – 2017
Louise Gervais, the daughter of Ralph and Augusta (Dresow) Surprenant, was born on February 23, 1934 in Currie, Minnesota. She grew up on a farm outside of Currie and graduated from IHM Catholic School. Louise was united in marriage to Hugh Gervais on August 20, 1953 at IHM Church in Currie. After their marriage they lived and farmed east of Currie. Louise remained on the farm after Hugh passed away in September of 2002. In the spring of 2010 she moved into Currie. She worked as the Director of the End-O-Line Railroad Park in Currie for over 30 years. Louise passed away on Friday, April 14, 2017 at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 83. She was a member of IHM Catholic Church and served on the W.C.C.W. where she held many positions and was also a Catholic Daughter. Louise was also a member of the Currie American Legion Auxiliary, Currie Town & Country, Master Gardener and a 4-H leader for many years. Louise enjoyed sewing, gardening, birds and squirrels, the Minnesota Twins, following her family in their sports, making jigsaw puzzles and playing cards. She was always proud of her perfect game she pitched in softball in high school.
Survivors include her eight children: Marie (Duane) Knutson, Springfield, MN, Francis (Loretta) Gervais, Currie, MN, Martha (Mark) Siska, Byron, MN Elizabeth (Nick) Larson, Vergas, MN, Kathleen (Ken) Schmitt, Slayton, MN, Julie Suedbeck, Willmar, MN, Michelle (Ken) Zabella, Orlando, FL and Robert (Katie) Gervais, Currie, MN; 25 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 10 siblings: Doris (Floyd) Peterson, Blaine, MN, Ralph (Myrna) Surprenant, Tracy, MN, Jim (Barb) Surprenant, Slayton, MN, Phyllis (Vern) Ahrndt, Ham Lake, MN, Mary Steffen, Waconia, MN, Leo Surprenant, Redwood Falls, MN, Bernadette Koester, Mitchell, SD, Fr. Paul Surprenant, Byron, MN, Joan Surprenan, Tracy, MN and Michael Surprenant, Currie, MN and sister-in-law Mary Jo Surprenant, Mankato, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; great-grandson Lincoln Arnold and two brothers: Ken and Fr. John Surprenant.
Funeral services were held at IHM Catholic Church Curie, MN at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 with Fr. Paul Surprenant and Msgr. R. Paul Heiting con-celebrating. The organist was Patty LeClaire. The song leader was LoAnn Hanson. The pallbearers were Dale Knutson, Christopher Gervais, Michael Turner, Matthew Suedbeck, Brandi Larson, Samantha Gervais and Clare Siska. Interment at Calvary Cemetery Currie, MN. The Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton is assisting the family with arrangements. Send condolences online at www.totzkefuneralhome.com.
