I am sorry to hear of the loss of Marcy. I worked with Marcy as a new RN grad in 1976 on the telemetry unit. She was so kind and helpful to me and took me under her wing as I navigated my new career in nursing. She always had a smile and was willing to go beyond to get the job done.I worked on other units at the hospital and after 47 years have never forgotten her.
Marcella Mekash Mortrude
June 6, 1931 – October 21, 2023
Marcella Mekash Mortrude was born on a farm in northern Minnesota on June 6, 1931. Her parents – Mary and Joseph – spoke Polish to one another when they didn’t want the kids to listen in. Marcy had two older brothers who worked the farm while, by her own admission, she never did a farm chore in her life. Instead, she dressed the farm cats in doll clothes and pushed them around in a baby buggy.
After graduating 8th grade at the one-room schoolhouse, Marcy moved into the town of Roseau to finish high school and then went on to earn her Registered Nursing degree in North Dakota.
On July 17, 1954 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Marcy married Lowell Mortrude and then rode the train back to her job at the Greenbush Hospital while he served his two years in the Korean War. Marcy and Lowell had four children – Lowell, Nancy, Stuart, and Judy – and eventually many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marcy worked for decades at the Saint Cloud Hospital and was very proud of staffing the innovative telemetry unit on 4 South. Marcy also nursed the kids’ many scrapes and broken bones, sick neighbors, injured dogs, and anyone else who needed care.
Summers meant cross country car trips pulling the pop-up camper. Marcy fed the family of six out of the Coleman cooler and cook stove and did the washing up in a bucket. None of the children remember helping with all this work, but we console ourselves that running off to play and giving mom some quiet time might have been just what she wanted.
Marcy and her husband traveled extensively in later years, even living for a time in both Alnwick, England and Aalborg, Denmark. Marcy would return from each trip with some treasures and a new skill she wanted to learn. After retirement, they became snow birds and spent time in both Gulf Shores, AL and Green Valley, AZ.
For Marcy’s 90th birthday in 2021, her family put together a book of their favorite memories of Marcy. Most of the stories included Marcy’s artistic talents – from the paintings that hung in the house and decorated the playroom walls, to quilting, hardanger, crochet, rosemaling, stained glass, and more – and her fantastic culinary talents, including caramel rolls and the famous spaghetti with riblets.
Marcy passed away at Northwood Memory Care in Saint Cloud on Saturday, October 21st. A service will take place on Friday, October 27th at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud. Reverend Derek Weichmann will officiate. Burial will take place at the St. Marcus Parish Cemetery, Clear Lake. Her family will always treasure our memories of her generous spirit. Even in her final days, she gave encouragement to the new nursing aides who provided her essential care. We love you, Mom.
Memorials are preferred.
Guestbook
To Marcy’s family,
I was very sorry to hear of Marcy’s passing and sorrier still that I am unable to attend her memorial service. Marcy was a wonderful lady and a dear friend. We met 10 years ago when I moved into her apartment complex and spent many hours together playing cards, going out to lunch, shopping or just socializing over coffee trying to solve the worlds problems. We continued our visits (although less frequent) when she moved to the village and when I also moved. I feel so fortunate to have known her, and although we never did solve the world’s problems, I will always treasure the time we spent together.
With my deepest sympathy,
Terry Pelzer
To Marcy’s family – I was so saddened to hear of her passing. Marcy was a bright light to all at the Village. She always had a smile, a positive outlook and her kindness towards all was wonderful to see. She was so appreciative of the activities and participated with gusto. I had time to visit with her privately as well and loved seeing her artwork and hearing about the family’s travels. She had an amazing life and the one thing she was most proud of was her family. The world has lost a little sparkle and I will always carry Marcy in my memories. Pam Himsl
Services
Schedule Details
A service will take place on Friday, October 27th at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud. Reverend Derek Weichmann will officiate. Burial will take place at the St. Marcus Parish Cemetery, Clear Lake.