Geraldine Goffin

Geraldine M. "Gerry" Goffin, age 78 of Melrose, died Wednesday, September 14, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family at her home on Big Birch Lake.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, September 16 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa with Rev. Roger Klassen, O.S.B. officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at the church.

Geraldine Margaret Nohner was born February 28, 1933 in Manannah, Minnesota to Leo and Elizabeth (Mies) Nohner. She was united in marriage to Francis Goffin on May 24, 1955 at Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley. Gerry worked out of her home for many years as a beautician. Upon moving to Big Birch Lake, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked at Pine Villa Care Center and Das Goldene Wohnheim in New Munich.

She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa, Christian Mothers, Schanhaar-Otte VFW Post 7050 Auxiliary, and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 101. Gerry enjoyed quilting, volunteering for food drives, helping others, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, James Goffin of St. Cloud, Paul (Lisa) Goffin of Brooklyn Center, and Mary (Scott) Hoffman of Grey Eagle; five grandchildren, Mallory, Natalie, Ben, Amber, and Zachary; brothers and sister, Donald Nohner of Detroit Lakes, Ivan (Jean) Nohner of Eden Valley, and Mary Ann Willner of Apple Valley; and sisters-in-law, Marion Nohner of Grey Eagle and Bernice Nohner of Melrose.

Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Goffin on March 1, 2006; parents; and brothers, Fabian Nohner and Peter Nohner.

Serving as casket bearers will be Dave Nohner, John Nohner, Greg Nohner, Keith Nohner, Chad Nohner, and Lee Willner. Cross bearer will be Mallory Goffin and scripture bearer will be Natalie Goffin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.