Marianne Helgeson Gjertson

Marianne was born December 30,1933, in Friendship, Wisconsin to Lizette L. Krenz and Herbert A. Helgeson and died April 25, 2026.

She grew up in Omro and Iola, Wisconsin, graduating from Iola High School in 1951. After attending Wisconsin State University – Oshkosh for a year, she began her nursing school studies at Milwaukee County General Hospital School of Nursing in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and graduated in 1955, a registered nurse.

Marianne married William G. Gjertson on September 24, 1955, and they began a lifetime of adventure. They had three children, Jill Alayne (Steven Brown), Jo Alison, and William Geoffrey (Geoff) (Germaine). Because of Bill’s career in aerospace they moved many times, and Marianne was able to be employed as a RN in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, Huntsville, AL, Colorado Springs, CO, Plano, TX, Danville, CA, Philadelphia, PA, and Seattle, WA. Wanting to try something new, she then pursued her love of interior design for 17 years in two design showrooms in Seattle. A colleague described Marianne’s style and attention to detail and care for her family as her most wonderful qualities. She had a beautiful and joyful spirit.

Her most precious achievement was her children, but she and Bill also loved travel, cross-country skiing, fine dining, and the fine arts. Over the years they visited Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Norway, Scotland, England, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Ukraine, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, the South Pacific, Canada, and Mexico – and of course, every state in the U.S.

She is survived by her 3 children; 6 grandchildren: Alayne (Charles) Brunner, Yale (Onur) Demirak, Todd (Ellen) Brown, Liv (Stephen) Stavredes, Alexandra (Derek) Brondum, and Elise Gjertson; and 7 great-grandchildren (Grace and Gabrielle Brunner, Calliope Brown, Axel and Tristan Demirak, Cora and Reina Stavredes); and sister Janice Dosch.

As per her wishes, there will be no memorial services.

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.