Crosby, Gretchen Kerkhof Born July 10, 1941 in Minneapolis, MN, died October 28, 2020. Preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Arthur C. Kerkhof and Florence A. Kerkhof, and brother Arthur C. Kerkhof, Jr. Survived by loving husband Robert Crosby and children David Crosby (Rebekah), Jennifer Crosby-Zarth and Susan Crosby, and grandchildren Sam Lloyd, Sophie Lloyd, Lewis Crosby, Theo Crosby, Eli Crosby, Zoë Zarth and Annika Zarth, sister-in-law Carolyn Anderson, in addition to many friends. Gretchen grew up in Golden Valley, graduated from Northrup School in 1959 and Wheaton College in 1963, where she majored in French. She went on to teach French at Northrop School from 1963 until 1966. Gretchen and Bob were married in 1965. Bob was an avid if mediocre golfer, and Gretchen took up golf as something she and Bob could enjoy together. Not only did Gretchen become an excellent golfer who loved to play with friends and family, she also became active in women's golf in Minnesota and nationally with the USGA. She served on the Boards of the Minnesota Women's Golf Association Board (President in 1995) and the Minnesota Golf Association, where she served as Vice Chair of the MGA Centennial Committee. She also organized numerous amateur events, including chairing the MGA's Women's Mid-Am Championship Committee, serving on the USGA's Women's Mid-Am Committee and co-chairing the Women's Mid-Am Championship at Desert Forest Golf Club. Gretchen loved to cook and was an accomplished chef. For many years, Williams Sonoma hired Gretchen to provide cooking demonstrations for its customers. She jumped at any chance to plan or cook at a party, so that the experience would be joyful and memorable for everyone. Apart from her accomplishments, Gretchen embraced life. She had the unique ability to light up a room when she entered it, and her outgoing personality drew people to her easily. Like Cher and Pelé, a single nameGretchenwas all that was needed for the many friends that knew and loved her. Gretchen's biggest love was her family, especially her children and their families. She and Bob attended literally hundreds of youth and high school sporting events, concerts and plays. She enthusiastically participated in activities with each grandchild (she didn't watch the roller coaster, she rode it!), making them all feel individually special. She was the epitome of a "fun" grandma, whether here in the Twin Cities, at the family cabin at Big Sandy Lake or during winter vacations in Scottsdale. If desired, memorials may be sent to Courage Kenny, 3915 Golden Valley Rd, Mpls., MN 55426, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Minnesota Children's Museum or donor's choice. A memorial service for Gretchen will be held at a later date.

Published on November 8, 2020