Marilyn Beth Gerritsen

Hastings resident Marilyn Beth Gerritsen, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, NE.    

Marilyn requests there be no funeral or memorial services. Her remains were cremated. She wishes her memory to be honored by taking a stroll around Heartwell Park, visiting a lonely person, offering a needed service to a neighbor, reacquainting with an old friend, volunteering, and, above all, being forgiving. Memorials may be sent to Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home for a memorial at Heartwell Park. 

Marilyn was born in Hastings, NE, the fifth daughter of Ed and Ella (Markwardt) Albers. She married Richard Gerritsen; he preceded her in death in 2004. Marilyn graduated high school at Platte Valley Academy in Shelton, NE, received a BSN from Union College, Lincoln, NE, and an M.A. in Education from UNK at Kearney. She also graduated from Reich College of Auctioneering, Mason City, IA.

She was employed at Mary Lanning Hospital School of Nursing as an Instructor, and then as Assistant Director of Nursing Education. In 1973, she became employed at Central Community College in Hastings as an instructor in the Human Services and Child Care Programs. She retired from the college after 23 years of service.

Marilyn acquired a love of antiques and old things from her father, who also enjoyed attending auctions, cleaning up old junk, and selling items of interest to others. She was a vendor in several local shops and owned and operated the Fairfield Auction House with her husband Richard, and their friend Delmar Hesman. Following retirement, she opened her own antique shop, Antiques ‘n Things, in Hastings. Marilyn was also involved with her husband in Gerritsen Auction and Realty and with her son Steven in Gerritsen Auctioneers and Appraisers.

She was formally involved in the NLN and other nursing organizations. She was a member of NSEA, CCC Retirees, CCC Fabulous Five, Annies Dinner Club, Prayer Shawl Knit Group, and Eagles Auxiliary, and volunteered at Mary Lanning and Hospice.

Marilyn loved to entertain her family and friends. She loved to garden and always took pride in the appearance of her yard and home. She appreciated the beauty of Heartwell Park and the ducks that nested in her bushes. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were loved equally. She took pride in their industry, moral character, abilities in music and sports, and educational goals.

Marilyn tried to model a positive love of life and encouraged others to do the same. Her work ethic was to be an example for her family and others. Her mother, Ella, always reminded her that “whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability.” The slogan of her brother Bob from his wheelchair was: “Live it up, life’s too short.” This she tried to help him do and to do herself as well. She tried to be considerate of the needs and feelings of others.

She would like to be remembered for her goodness, consideration for others, and strength of character. She asks that the “life’s bumps” she dealt with and the failures she committed be forgotten and forgiven.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters, Lucille Gartner, Betty Lindsey, Darlene Thein, and Milrae Albers; and brothers, Delmar (Bud) Albers and Wayne (Bob) Albers. 

Those she leaves behind are three children, Susan Gerritsen-Largen of Hastings, NE, Anthony (Tony) Gerritsen and wife Tonya of St. Petersburg, Russia, and Steven Gerritsen of Clay County, NE; seven grandchildren, Songya Largen of Riley, KS, Josiah Largen of Pacific Junction, IA, Bronwyn Largen and partner Kyle Sandall of HI, Jason Gerritsen and friend Leah Breck Smillie of Grand Island, NE, Nathan Gerritsen of Hastings, NE, Spencer and Tiffani Gerritsen of Hastings, NE, and Shalene Gerritsen of Chicago, IL; granddaughter-in-law, Lindsay Gerritsen of Hastings, NE; 13 great-grandchildren, Aaliyah and McKayla Baughman of Riley, KS, Simon, Lincoln, and Cyrus Largen of Pacific Junction, IA, James Sandall of HI, Jack and Henry Gerritsen of Hastings, NE, Aiden, Greyson, Dawson, Benson, and Millie Gerritsen of Hastings, NE; and several nieces, nephews, and friends, Debra Nelson, June Becker, Marie DesMaris, Pat Sinnard, Maryann Shorey, and Eve Henricksen.