1918
Merna
2007
Merna Putnam
October 21, 1918 — October 15, 2007
Merna Matilda Putnam, age 88 of Cannon Falls, died on Monday afternoon, October 15, 2007 at the Angels Care Center in Cannon Falls.
Merna was born at home on the family farm in Wabasha County on October 21, 1918, the daughter of Arthur and Florence (Heaser) Timm.
During WWII, from August, 1943 until her honorable discharge in January, 1946, Merna served with the WAACs at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. She and Harold C. Putnam were married in uniform on October 28, 1944 in Elba, MN.
After their discharges, Merna and Harold lived in St. Charles and Wabasha before settling in Cannon Falls in 1947. Merna was a stay at home mother until Harold had a stroke in 1969; then, she worked at Cannon Falls Hospital as a Nurse's Aide for 20 years until retirement age. She was active with the St. Pius V Catholic Church Women and with the Nelson Scofield VFW Post #4452 Auxiliary. She was also a Cub/Boy Scout Den Mother for many years.
Merna was a devoted wife and mother. She always enjoyed the "home farm" east of Plainview where she was born and where her eldest brother Earl farmed and lived with his family. She and Harold took every opportunity--until the years of their respective deaths--to return to the home places. The "White Water" river area--Beaver, Elba, and Weaver--were always "home",even after 50 years in Cannon Falls. She loved her family and friends. Merna always enjoyed nature, the changing seasons in Minnesota, fishing, birds, and flowers, and whenever she got the chance she enjoyed traveling and reading.
Merna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold (1997); infant sister, Marjorie Timm; and brother, Earl Timm (2002).
She is survived by her children, Sharon (John) Berntsen of Sterling, VA, Kenneth (Linda) of Chippewa Falls, WI, and James of Cannon Falls; three grandchildren, Anjali and Sabrina Berntsen, and Lissa Putnam; and her younger brother, Everett (Peggy) Timm of Washington State.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius V Catholic Church in Cannon Falls, with Father Jay Kythe celebrating. Interment with military honors will follow at the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the mass.
Active pallbearers will be Pat Brennan, Mark Timm, Dan Thompson, David Kapp, Barney Flom and Barry Smith.
Memorials are preferred to the Peace Chapel at Angels Care Center which provided excellent care for Merna, Harold, and Merna's mother Florence Timm in their final years.
Merna was born at home on the family farm in Wabasha County on October 21, 1918, the daughter of Arthur and Florence (Heaser) Timm.
During WWII, from August, 1943 until her honorable discharge in January, 1946, Merna served with the WAACs at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. She and Harold C. Putnam were married in uniform on October 28, 1944 in Elba, MN.
After their discharges, Merna and Harold lived in St. Charles and Wabasha before settling in Cannon Falls in 1947. Merna was a stay at home mother until Harold had a stroke in 1969; then, she worked at Cannon Falls Hospital as a Nurse's Aide for 20 years until retirement age. She was active with the St. Pius V Catholic Church Women and with the Nelson Scofield VFW Post #4452 Auxiliary. She was also a Cub/Boy Scout Den Mother for many years.
Merna was a devoted wife and mother. She always enjoyed the "home farm" east of Plainview where she was born and where her eldest brother Earl farmed and lived with his family. She and Harold took every opportunity--until the years of their respective deaths--to return to the home places. The "White Water" river area--Beaver, Elba, and Weaver--were always "home",even after 50 years in Cannon Falls. She loved her family and friends. Merna always enjoyed nature, the changing seasons in Minnesota, fishing, birds, and flowers, and whenever she got the chance she enjoyed traveling and reading.
Merna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold (1997); infant sister, Marjorie Timm; and brother, Earl Timm (2002).
She is survived by her children, Sharon (John) Berntsen of Sterling, VA, Kenneth (Linda) of Chippewa Falls, WI, and James of Cannon Falls; three grandchildren, Anjali and Sabrina Berntsen, and Lissa Putnam; and her younger brother, Everett (Peggy) Timm of Washington State.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius V Catholic Church in Cannon Falls, with Father Jay Kythe celebrating. Interment with military honors will follow at the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the mass.
Active pallbearers will be Pat Brennan, Mark Timm, Dan Thompson, David Kapp, Barney Flom and Barry Smith.
Memorials are preferred to the Peace Chapel at Angels Care Center which provided excellent care for Merna, Harold, and Merna's mother Florence Timm in their final years.
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