Golda I. Gerard, age 81 of Aitkin died Monday, September 10, 2012 at the Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin. Golda was born July 28, 1931 in Owatonna, Minnesota. She moved to South St. Paul, Minnesota with her family and an early age where she attended schools and graduated from the South St. Paul High School. She then enrolled in a practical nurse program but did not graduate due to illness. She married Arvid Gerard on September 5, 1949 in South St. Paul. After several years they moved to the Kimberly area near Aitkin. She worked for the Riverwood Health Care Center for 38 years and retired in 1996. She had also worked with the Hospice program. She also served as the communications chairperson for the American Cancer Society for many years. She is survived by two sons and daughter in law: Randy and Barb Gerard of Greenfield, Mn.; Terry Gerard of Hopkins, Mn.; four grandchildren: Shane (Bridget) Gerard of Staples, Mn., Tera Smith (Shannon Kowalczyk)of Hillman, Mn., Erin Gerard and Adam Gerard both of Greenfield, Mn.; 7 great grandchildren: Alyssa, Katelyn and Samantha Smith; Mitchell, Blake, Emma and Ryan Gerard; and one great great grandchild: Carson Anthony Smith, and Great GReat Granddaughter: Haleigh (due in days), sister in law: Arlene Savory, brother in law: Lloyd Gerard, nieces, nephews and close friends Bette Peterson and Connie Yunker. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arvid in 1989, sisters: Hazel Diense, Clara Vermillion; brothers: Wilbur Rossen and Vernon Rossen and one grandchild Jennifer Gerard. A graveside service will be held Friday, September 14, 2012 at 3 PM at the Forest-Kimberly Cemetery with Rev. Bob Munneke officiating. Arrangements are with the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin.