Geralyn "Gerri" Marie Jacobson, age 52, of Fertile, MN, peacefully took the Lord's hand on Thursday morning, September 30, 2010, at her soon to be son-in-laws home with her daughter by her side. She had been battling emphysema as well as many other health issues. Gerri was born on January 3, 1958, in Drayton, ND, to Henry and Valeria (Smith) Jacobson. She grew up in and out of hospitals having numerous surgeries on her leg and hip. She attended St. Rose Lima Elementary School in Argyle, MN, and her teenage years at Mt. St. Benedict in Crookston where she graduated in 1976.
Gerri became a mother at an early age of 17. At the age of 23, she married Larry Radke and they had Hope and Eli. The mostly lived in the Crookston area. In 1986, Gerri and her 3 children moved to Beltami, MN, where she bought a house. She met and married Roman VonRuden in 1989, they lived in Orifino, ID, and had Anthony and Christian, but her heart was back at her home in Beltrami so they returned. She married Richard Brekke in early 2000 and moved to Fertile in the Northwest Apartments due to her health.
Gerri was a strong willed woman who put up a good fight. She loved nature, most outside activities and spending time with her children, grandchildren and her friends. She was known for the roles in her life of mother, wife, grandmother, construction worker, cook at the Beltrami Café, the "Skating Rink Lady" in Fertile, an awesome wrestling mom, and an all around hard working homemaker. She was also known to bring some of the local children fishing or ice skating for their first time. Gerri absolutely loved nature. Her favorite spot was the Texas crossing in Beltrami where she would watch the sunset, target practice, fishing or just listening to the sounds of nature. She also loved to dance and reading her Bible. As her illness progressed she was not able to spend as much time with her children and grandchildren but the mention of their names brought a bright twinkle to her eyes, and a far off glance remembering some special times and fun activities she had done with them, or accomplishments they had achieved. Gerri was so proud of each one of her children her heart swelled with pride. Gerri will always be loved and remembered for her lasting impressions. She would want all of us to take comfort in knowing she is with the God she loves and is finally pain free.
Gerri is survived by her children Melissa (fiancée, Tim Koelling), Fertile; Hope Green, Williamsport, IN; Eli Radke, Chicago, IL; Anthony VonRuden, Missoula, MT; and Christian VonRuden, Fargo, ND; five grandchildren: Grayson Green, Williamsport, IN, Damian, Halley, Alexander, and Destiny Haugen Austin, TX; mother, Valeria Jacobson, Argyle, MN; James (Christine) Jacobson, St. Louis, MI, and Darrell (Kelly) Jacobson, Argyle, MN; and nephews, nieces and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Henry, and brother, Galen.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Thursday, October 7, 2010, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fertile, MN.

Visitation will be one hour before the services.

Inurnment will be at the Fairview Cemetery, Beltrami, MN.