Sophia Gernes

Sophia Marie (Boerboom) Gernes, 93, formerly of Wilson Township died Thursday evening November 28th at St. Anne’s Extended Healthcare.     Sophia was born February 14, 1909 in Grandview Township near Ghent, MN to Carnelius and Marie (Vanden Berghe) Boerboom. She graduated from St. Agnes High School in Ghent in 1924 and from School of Agriculture, University of Minnesota in 1929. She was a County 4H Club-Agent in Pipestone County and taught at the Pipestone Indian School. While attending the School of Agriculture she met Albert Gernes, they were married on October 25th 1932 at St. Eloi Church in Ghent. The couple lived and farmed in Wilson Township. She entered St. Anne’s in 1991, Albert died in 1995.      Sophia was a member of Immaculate Conception Church of Wilson Township, where she had served as organist for 30 years. She also was a club leader for the Wilson Fireflies 4H Club, served as Deanery President of Winona Council of Catholic Women and National Rural Life Chairman. Sophia had a special love for babies and small children.     Survivors include two sons, Jerome (Mary) Gernes of Winona and Norbert (Pat) Gernes of Eden Prairie, two daughters, Cornelia (Leo) Kryzer of Lewiston and Sonia Gernes of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, 23 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, two sisters Evelyn Berends and Clarice (Bill) Versaevel both of Marshall, four brothers Harry Boerboom of Ghent; Cornelius Boerboom of Marshall, Andrew and Walter Boerboom both of Cottonwood. In addition to her husband Albert, three infant daughters, three brothers; John, Joseph and Francis, and two sisters; Mary and Theresa have died.     There will be a Funeral Mass 10:30 AM Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Wilson with the Rev. John Sauer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 6-8:30 PM Sunday and one hour before services Monday. There will be a prayer service at 8PM Sunday at the church.      Hoff Funeral Home’s – Burke Winona Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.