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Jennie “GG” Sigrid Nordbeck

NEW BRIGHTON, Minn., Jennie “GG” Sigrid Nordbeck, 96, passed away on October 19, 2016, at Benedictine Health Center at Innsbruck in New Brighton, Minnesota.

Jennie was born in Hubbell on April 30, 1920. She worked as an occupational therapy assistant for many years in Michigan, retiring from the Houghton County Hospital.

She had a passion for cake decorating and made hundreds of cakes for all occasions, including wedding cakes for her grandchildren.

She was active in the church “Day of Caring” quilting group and the Martha’s and Mary Circle.

She is survived by two children, Norlene McAuliffe and Geraldene (Robert) Parrott; six grandchildren, Brenda (Carl) Kessler, Elizabeth Kear, Rebecca Staples-Rash, Stephen Parrott, Bradley (Amy) Parrott and Collene (Rodger) Dabish; 14 great-grandchildren, Lindsey Kear, Austin Kear, Grant (Aja) Kessler, Lauren (Adam) Drawhhorn, Samantha (Oscar) Diaz, Robyn Kessler, McKenzie Staples, Jacob Staples, Gwendolyn Rash, Zachary Parrott, Tanner Parrott, Delaney Parrott, Leah Dabish, William Dabish; three great-great-grandchildren, Madeline Kessler, Sean Kessler, Jefferson Drawhorn; a sister, Helen Lund; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Jennie was married twice, first to Walfred Aho, the father of her two children, who passed away in 1951, then later to Adolph (Spike) Nordbeck, who passed away in 1982. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Anna Koski; son, Gerald; four brothers, Fred, William, Kaarlo and Reuben; and six sisters, Katherine Putansu, Eleanor Juntunen, Mildred Johnson, Aileen Normand, Eva Stanton and May Fraatz.

Jennie was the matriarch of our family, a strong independent woman with sisu. Jennie loved being outdoors and working in her gardens. She has given us so many memories, Finnish traditions, family recipes, crocheted blankets, a love of crafts, puzzles, board games and most of all a love of family.

We know that GG felt enveloped in the love of those whose lives she has touched and that she will now feel comfort and peace always.

Funeral services were held on October 25, 2016, at Nativity Lutheran Church in St. Anthony, Minnesota.

Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 27, 2016, in Maple Hill Cemetery, in Lake Linden.

Memorials may be made to Nativity Lutheran Church, 3312 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony, Minnesota, 55418 or to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1000 Quincy St, Hancock, 49930.