Anna Getz Leaves Legacy for Mayville State University

A familiar name in the Mayville area is Anna Mae Getz. Before Anna passed away in February she did something quite generous. Anna left a gift in her will for Mayville State University. This was after many years of giving annual gifts as well. You may remember when Anna and her husband Wilmer ran the Gambles store in Mayville for 31 years. Anna had been active in the community in her later years volunteering in the Mary Circle, the Caring Club and the VFW auxiliary.

Anna also was blessed to raise one son, Steven who now lives in the Twin Cities. Wilmer passed away in 2004 but Anna up until just a couple of years still lived in the area. She was also known as an avid quilter and she was a member of the Mayville State University Honor Society.

"We are so thankful for gifts like Anna Mae's, especially because Anna Mae did not attend Mayville State," said John Klocke, executive director at the MSU Foundation. Klocke added, "Even though Anna Mae was not alum, she still thought it was an institution she wanted to benefit. The gift comes at a time when record enrollment and great success require even more resources to help students. "Anna Mae made these plans many years ago and we are so thankful that she did," said Brent Freeland, MSU Foundation board chair. "Gifts like Anna Mae's help us greatly to continue the good work she wanted to help with."

Anna was born on May 3, 1927 in Pickert, ND to Julius and Alida (Starren) Edwardson. Anna was raised with her two brothers in Pickert and attended elementary school there. She later attended Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND. That's where she met Wilmer and married in 1957.

When Anna Mae wasn't involved with her volunteering one of her passions was travelling. She enjoyed trips to Italy, Hawaii and Mexico City. Anna is survived by her son Steven, and his wife Gabrielle and was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Edward and Melvin. "We are thankful to Anna Mae and many folks who have made plans or plan to include Mayville State University in their estate plans. Gift plans like Anna Mae's give to Mayville State University Foundation benefit the good work of the Mayville State University Foundation to support Mayville State University students and programs. For information on these kinds of gifts, our benefactors can visit www.msugift.org or call John Klocke at 701-788-4787