Mary Jane Gaalswyk, age 91, of McIntosh MN and formally of Erskine MN, was called to be with her Savior on July 12, 2025, at McIntosh Senior Living. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26th, at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine with the Rev. Pam Thorson officiating. Interment will be in Sorum Cemetery, rural Erskine. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Saturday (26th) at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Erskine and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com. The service will be live-streamed and available on the website. In lieu of flowers or memorials, please consider planting a tree or a plant in Mary Jane’s name.
Mary Jane was born to Mildred and Henry Johnson on October 15, 1933, in St. James MN. Mary Jane Johnson was joined in marriage to Jacob Gaalswyk on July 3, 1954, until his death in 1992. They had 5 children, Steven Mark, Susan Marie, Quentin Jay, Jason Todd and Fern Rae.
They made their home in Welcome, MN until they moved to Erskine, MN in 1966. Mary Jane was not only a Born Again Christian but a mother that was devoted to teaching her children to be strong, faithful, independent individuals, which sometimes drove her crazy.
When her children got older, she worked outside of her home as a prep cook at the Third Base Supper Club in Brooks, MN and Ness Café in Erskine. Then after a few years she was hired by Pioneer Memorial Care in Erskine MN in the laundry department. One of her proudest moments was receiving her Certified Nursing Assistant while working at Pioneer Memorial Care, where she continued to work for 30 years. During that time, she gave tender loving care to the residents and trained in many CNA’s, some of which later became her caregivers at McIntosh Senior Living Center. Mary Jane always reminded others that “Jesus loves you.” Mary Jane personified love to everyone and that love was returned by the staff at McIntosh Senior Living Center and everyone around her.
Mary Jane’s strength in Christ never faltered and that brought her through many trials throughout her life. After her oldest Steven died in March of 2016, she could not continue as usual and began her journey with Alzheimer’s. During her time at McIntosh Senior Living, she enjoyed being taken out for a drive, singing “Don’t Fence me in” and making a stop at the Dairy Queen for a “malted.” Until her final days, she would sing to everyone “I love you a Bushel and a Peck.”
She had five children, Steven (Barb) Gaalswyk, Susan (Dennis Rabehl) Bushee, Quentin Gaalswyk, Jason (Jan) Gaalswyk, and Fern (Kent) Johnson. Twelve Grandchildren; Alyssa (Jesse) Hickman, Heather (Rogers) Kessler, Stephanie (Matt) Abel, McKenna and Miranda Gaalswyk, Jessica (Mitch) Kane, Jeanna Gaalswyk, Khristopher (Aubrey) and Evan Johnson, Danette (Scott) Burlet, Darryl (Terry) Enerson Angie (Gary) Walker, and Aaron Enerson including their spouses. Sixteen Great-Grandchildren and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren. Many nieces, and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Jacob, son Steven, granddaughter Jeanna Gaalswyk, and son-in-law Roger Lent. Both parents, Henry and Mildred, brothers Donald and David Johnson, and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.