Gergenna Rae Mardesen
Gergenna Rae Mardesen was born in Exira on June 4, 1944, to Harvey Mardesen and Gwendolyn Beers. She attended school in Exira, was crowned homecoming queen, graduated, and moved to Des Moines to attend the Iowa School of Beauty. While at beauty school, she met William Horner, whom she married on Nov. 22, 1964. She had two sons, Jamie and Jeffrie Horner, and took care of them for many years, working multiple jobs to make ends meet and support her family. Prior to retirement, she made the transition to living in Johnston, where she made many new friends while also managing to keep in contact with and care for many old friends and family. She finally retired at the age of 70 and spent the last few years enjoying time with friends and family members. She was a long-time member of the Glen Echo Christian Church in Des Moines.
She died Feb. 24, 2023, at Kavanaugh Hospice House in Des Moines with her sons by her side. She is also survived by her sister, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, and many other family members and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ellipsis, P.O. Box 39, Johnston, IA 50131.
She died Feb. 24, 2023, at Kavanaugh Hospice House in Des Moines with her sons by her side. She is also survived by her sister, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, and many other family members and friends.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ellipsis, P.O. Box 39, Johnston, IA 50131.