Genevieve L. Metzdorff
February 13, 1935 - August 10, 2023
Genevieve Louise Barten Metzdorff, an energetic matriarch of seven children passed away on August 10th, 2023.
She was born on February 13th, 1935 in Union Hill, MN, to Hubert and Edna (Huss) Barten. Genevieve graduated from New Prague High School in 1953 and worked at the State Bank in New Prague and later General Mills in Minneapolis in the account department after graduating.
Genevieve married John P. Metzdorff in 1958 and moved to Duluth in 1966, returning to the Union Hill area in 1971. Genevieve was employed as a nurse aide at Mala Strana and later at Anchor Glass in Shakopee, where she was a proud member of the Glass Bottle Blowers Union for 12 years. She was a parishioner of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and served on the Liturgy Board and as a sacristan for several years.
This steadfast woman of will, combined her many talents to raise seven children after her divorce in 1978. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, taking time to bend the ear of any passerby about the latest success by her progeny.
Genevieve was a certified Master Gardener since 1996, and member of the Minnesota Hosta Society, North Star Lily Society, and Minnesota Water Garden Society. Her many ponds and gardens were featured in the Twin City Parade of Ponds in 2003.
Genevieve also shared her diverse talents with her friends and family, finding passions in sewing, upholstering, wine making, and garden design. In her later years, dancing and traveling brought her the most joy. With trips to the Holy Land, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Greece, and Turkey to name a few. She used both travel and dancing as a catalyst to meet new friends.
She is survived by children Patrick (Barbara) Metzdorff of Windsor, CO, Benjamin (Jeanine) Metzdorff of Minneapolis, John (Simone) Metzdorff of New Prague, Margaret Metzdorff of Minneapolis, Tom (Kris) Metzdorff of Waseca, Monica (Chris) Holicky of Veseli, and Dan (Keri) Metzdorff of New Prague; 17 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Edna Weiers of Union Hill, Harriet Giesen of Marshall, MI, Darlene (Richard) O’Brien of Greenville, SC, Noreen Seurer of New Prague; sister-in-law, Fran Barten of New Prague. She is preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Roman Barten.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Catholic Church in Union Hill with Father Joseph Gifford officiating. Visitation will take place at Bruzek Funeral Home that morning from 8:30 – 10:30 AM. Lunch will follow Mass at the Park Ballroom in New Prague. Burial will occur at a later date at St. John’s Cemetery in Union Hill.
What a woman! We were honored to minister to Gen at St Gertrude’s Healthcare Center every Sunday. Wish we would have known more about her life activities. She was a role model at the care center with her independence with a disability. Always looking beautiful with makeup on & rolling her wheelchair backwards to get into the chapel, watering the plants in the chapel during the week, & observant of other needs that needed to be taken care of. Gen was missed this morning & will be there in spirit in her special spot up front In the future. What… Read more »
Such a beautiful lady that lived life to the fullest despite the obstacles that were present. God bless Gen on her new life in the arms of the Lord in her heavenly home. God bless the Metzdorff family.