Myrtle C. Duffield

RUSHFORD, MINN. - Myrtle (Jertson) Duffield, 95, a retired teacher, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2006, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford. She was born on August 21, 1910, in Winona County, Minn. to John and Marie Markegard. She graduated from Rushford High School and received a degree in elementary education from Winona State University. She taught in many rural schools and in Rushford, Byron, and Rochester Public Schools. Myrtle was a member of several educational associations. In 1935 she married Albert Jertson. They had two sons. They farmed in the Rushford area until 1959 when they moved to Rochester, Minn. Albert passed away in August of 1971. Myrtle retired from teaching in 1973. She married Charles Duffield in February of 1974. Myrtle and Charles spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona where Charles passed away in December of 1977. She continued living in Mesa until 1989, when she moved to Chatfield, Minn. Myrtle moved to the Good Shepherd Senior Apartments in Rushford in 1993. Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, two brothers, Kenneth and Arnold Markegard, one sister Marian McCallum, and twin granddaughters, Debra and Christina Jertson. She is survived by two sons: John (Jackie) Jertson of Ocala, Florida, and Allen (Susan) Jertson of Winona, Minn.; one grandson, Mark (Debi) Jertson of Rushford; two great-grandchildren: Dustin and Kaecey Jertson of Rushford; one brother, Truman Markegard of Fergus Falls, Minn.; sister, Eleanor Laumb of Minneapolis, Minn.; brother-in-law, Keith McCallum; nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Myrtle loved life, traveling, entertaining, and people, especially little children. She enjoyed every minute spent with Dustin and Kaecey, who brought her lots of joy and happiness. She enjoyed visits from her nieces and nephews. Myrtle Spent lots of time reading. She always felt richly blessed. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2006, at Rushford Lutheran Church in Rushford, Minn. with the Rev. Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester, Minn. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Hoff Funeral Homes Rushford Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Blessed be her memory.