Gezena Henrietta Goedhart, 92, Minot and former co-owner and operator of Oak Park News Arcade and longtime manager of Fanny Farmer Candy Store both in Minot died on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 in her home in the care of Trinity Hospice and Bev Reimann her friend and caregiver.

Gezena was born on November 18, 1918 in Hospers, Iowa to Peter and Dena (TeGrootenhuis) Helder. She was reared and educated in Hospers and graduated from Hospers High School in 1936. She continued her education at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

Gezena married Raymond Goedhart on October 25, 1939 in Hospers. They made their home in Minneapolis, MN where she was employed at Northwestern Hospital as a nurses aide. The family moved to Minot in 1958 where Gezena was employed at Trinity Hospital and as the manager of Fanny Farmer Candy Store for many years. Also, she co-owned and operated the Oak Park News Arcade for twenty-five years. She retired in 1992. Ray died on May 28, 2010.

Gezena was a member of First Presbyterian Church Minot and she especially enjoyed gardening, needlework and reading. Her yard was her pride and joy and her backyard of tulips and hybrid tea roses surrounding a small windmill is her special tribute to her Dutch heritage.

Gezena's family includes her son: Paul (Cindy) Goedhart of Banner Elk, NC; friend and caregiver: Bev Reimann of Minot; daughter-in-law: Pamela Goedhart of Ball Ground, GA; granddaughter: Cyndi Rae Hutchins of Norwalk, CA; sisters: Delores (Andrew) Reitsma of Coon Rapids, MN and Thressa (Robert) Bosacker of Minnetonka, MN and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gezena was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son: David, and brothers: Willis and Harold.

Graveside Service : Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota.
Booksigning : Friends may sign a register book on Monday, June 6, 2011 from noon until 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice or First Presbyterian Church Minot.