Mildred "Millie" Gjertson was an environmentalist and traveler, who in her lifetime visited all 50 states, all while keeping journals and keepsakes from her many trips.
However, it is what Gjertson has given and left behind that will be her biggest legacy, according to officials with Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation.
Gjertson died in late 2018, but before she did, she made two substantial gifts to the city of Nisswa for the Nisswa Lake Park, for the creation of trails and a pavilion. Gjertson loved nature and the outdoors, and wanted others to enjoy it as well.
"It is because of Millie that Nisswa Lake Park and Recreation Area has bloomed," stated Matthew Hill, park director for Nisswa, in a news release. "Her initial donation allowed us to put in the trails and provide access to the Gull Lake Chain of Lakes. She was so pleased with that work that she made a second donation to build a picnic pavilion. Since her gifts, we have received additional donations of benches, a flagpole, and docks that people can visit downtown Nisswa. We are so thankful for Millie's involvement in Nisswa Lake Park!"
After Gjertson died, she left significant monetary gifts to First Congregational United Church of Christ, The Center in Brainerd, Northland Arboretum, the Brainerd Public Library, and provisions for flower gardens at Good Samaritan Society-Woodland. Gjertson also created a scholarship fund at Bemidji State University and support for the Trust for Public Land and Nature Conservancy.
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"Millie took pride in being the oldest member of First Congregational UCC in Brainerd. She was well loved and an active member of our church family," stated Ann Turnbull, of the UCC Memorial Committee, in the release. "Her gift to the church doubled the endowment principle and allows pursuit of some special projects vital to the church."
Vicki Foss, Northland Arboretum, added: "The legacy that Millie Gjertson left the Northland Arboretum is a wonderful and beautiful gift allowing us to move forward with several education, recreation and conservation projects. Her love of gardening and the outdoors will be honored with expansion of gardens, orchards and educational projects that help youth and families enjoy the great outdoors together."
The Center has an Agency Fund with the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation.
"Millie Gjertson was an artist. She made recycled greeting cards and crocheted doilies, each one a work of art, and (they) are sold in our Gift Shop. Just as Millie used tools and thread or paper to visualize beauty; she and her husband, Scut, had a vision for the future of The Center," said DeAnn Barry of The Center in the release. "The memorial to our Legacy Fund supports our long term viability."
Jennifer Grams of Woodland added: "As a resident at Good Samaritan Society Woodland, Millie impacted those we serve in word and deed. Through Millie's generous gift, her legacy will live on through our community garden."
The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation helps people like Gjertson to set up such funds to change lives and communities, said Karl Samp, executive director.
"There are so many charities that have benefited from Millie's generosity," stated Samp in the release. "The Brainerd lakes area is a better place because of her philanthropic giving."
John M. Mattson, chairperson, Brainerd Public Library Board added: "The Brainerd Public Library is very honored that Millie Gjertson chose us as one of the recipients of her most gracious gifts. Although we haven't made any final decisions yet on how to best utilize her contribution, we will do so in a manner which properly recognizes her lifelong love of nature and of learning."
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The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the Brainerd lakes area. Since 1998, BLACF has grown to over $12 million in assets and awarded over $5 million in grants to nonprofits. BLACF is a partner of CommunityGiving, a collaborative of community foundations united under a single framework to create efficiencies while maximizing the impact of donors. Collectively, CommunityGiving administers nearly 800 funds totaling more than $145 million.
