James E. Mertesdorf

James E. Mertesdorf, age 78, formerly of Pine Island and Vernon Center died on April 16, 2024, at Birchwood Cottage in North Mankato.

Jim was born November 7, 1945, in Mankato to Dean and Shirley Mertesdorf. He was raised on the family farm near Vernon Center. He graduated from Garden City High School in Garden City and South Central Technical School in North Mankato. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War from December 15, 1965 to September 15, 1969.

Jim married Gloria Woodcock November 6, 1971. They made their home in Pine Island. Jim and Gloria enjoyed camping with friends during their summers. Jim also enjoyed hunting and four wheeling with their son Adam, his family, and friends.

Jim is survived by his father, Dean Mertesdorf of Mankato; sisters, Cheryl Lushine of Minneapolis, Patricia (Daryl) Meyer of Mankato, and Dara (Robert) Stevens of Vernon Center;  daughter-in-law, Melissa Mertesdorf of Rochester; grandsons, Breckin and Cullen Grinnell of Rochester; mother-in-law, Virginia Woodcock; brothers-in-law, Leonard (Patricia) Woodcock of Rochester and Jerome (Janean) Woodcock of Lake Preston, SD; sisters-in-law, Jackie (Gary) Sohre of Mapleton, Brenda (Chuck) Wienk, and Tersia (Joel) Warne of Lake Preston, SD; many nieces and nephews; and Mary Kay Hohenstein, a very special cousin and lifelong friend.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria; son, Adam; infant son, Eric; his mother, Shirley; and father-in-law, Albert Woodcock. 

A special thank you to Birchwood Cottage for all their kind and tender care of Jim and Jim’s family.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 2:00 pm with a visitation one hour prior at Grace United Methodist Church in Vernon Center.  Burial will be at Vernon Center Cemetery.