Gerster, Mary Eleanor 84, a 50-year resident of Anoka, died on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Eleanor was predeceased by her husband, Paul, with whom she grew up in Farmington and was the youngest of eight children in the Cook family. Eleanor was the proud mother of seven children: Paul (Cathy) of Ramsey, Thomas (Terri) of Andover, Karen Slater (Scott) of Minneapolis, Stephen (Tana) of Edina, Anthony of Anoka, Kathleen Voss (Greg) of Apple Valley and Eric (Mini) of Riverside CT, grandchildren Scott, Christopher, Amy, Stacy, Michael, Haley, Maya and Leena Gerster, Emily Pearson, Hillary Zuleger, Taylor and Rachel Voss and Tim and Kelly Slater and eight great grandchildren. A ninth great granddaughter, Sophie Zuleger, was born the day after her death. She is survived by brothers Howard and Roger Cook and preceded in death by her parents, brothers Earl, Richard and Gerald, sisters Helen Harvey and Jane Alexander. In addition to her devotion to her family, Eleanor loved entertaining, cooking and the arts and was active in many philanthropic activities throughout her life. She fulfilled a childhood dream by traveling the world extensively for many years. Services will be Friday, December 1 at 10 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior at St. Stephens Catholic Church, 525 Jackson St., Anoka. In lieu of memorials, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org
Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home
Anoka 763-421-0220
www.thurston-lindberg.com