Patricia May Gessner, 88, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 13, 2026.

Patty May was born on May 14, 1937, in Minneapolis, to Dan and Dorothy (Sewell) Madison. They lived in Brookside, St Louis Park, MN, until moving to Nisswa, MN when she was in grade school.

Patty graduated from Brainerd High School in 1955. She went on to attend Brainerd Junior College and St Cloud State, graduating with a teaching degree in elementary education.

Patty met and fell in love with Gilbert Gessner while attending Brainerd Junior College. They were married June 25, 1960, and lived in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Patty taught school in Las Cruces while Gil completed his active duty in the army.

In 1961, they moved to Hutchinson and then on to New Ulm. In 1969 they moved to Brooklyn Center, MN. In 1994 they moved into their retirement home on Pelican Lake in the Brainerd Lakes area.

Patty May is preceded in death by husband Gilbert, parents Dan and Dorothy, and brother David. She is survived by sons Jim (Kathy) of Hibbing, MN, Dave (Sandy) of Lino Lakes, MN, Jon (Bridget) of Ramsey, MN, 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 14, at 12 pm at Nelson Doran Funeral Home, 202 8th Ave NE, Brainerd, MN 56401. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Lunch will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, Patty's family suggests making a donation in memoriam to Camp Jim, Pillager, MN or Samaritan's Purse, two of her favorite organizations she supported.