Jennie Ullestad, 96, of Mankato, Minn., formerly of Thompson, Iowa, died Jan. 16, 2020, at Laurels Edge Assisted Living in Mankato. A funeral service was held Wed., January 22, 2020, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Thompson. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.

Jennie Ullestad was born Dec. 14, 1923, in Forest City, Iowa, daughter of John and Sophie (Ness) Ullestad. She grew up in Thompson area where she attended school. Jennie graduated with her Certificate in Education from Waldorf College in Forest City in 1955, and from Luther College in Decorah in 1964 with a teaching degree.

Jennie was an elementary teacher for forty years. Her first years were at Roland, Iowa; Thompson, Iowa; Leland, Iowa, and then many years at Waseca, Minn., before retiring and moving to Mankato.

Jennie was a wonderful caregiver to many of her family members. She loved to spend time with her friends and family and also enjoyed tending her flowers and yard in Mankato.

She is survived by four sisters: Alice (Ullestad) Johnson ‘55 of Mankato, Minn.; Stella Dahl and her husband Thomas of Elmore, Minn.; Clara Gettis and husband Dale of Forest City, Iowa; and Mavis Erickson and husband Rev. Richard of Edina, Minn.; a sister-in-law Rosella (Jonas) Ullestad of Hanlontown, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews, and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: John and Sophie, sisters; Stella Jeannette (infancy), Martha (Reuben) Hamre, Tom Ullestad (age 17), Jonas Ullestad, Judith (Donald) Richards, Olive (Ullestad) Graber ‘54 (Roger), and Amy (Goodwin) Boyum.

She did express her thankfulness to the excellent care given to her by the staff at Mayo Health System, Mankato and also to the staff at Laurels Edge of Mankato. God Bless all of You. Jennie.