Giertsen, Cathleen "Cathy" Cox 79, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, in Naples, Florida. Born on December 18, 1945, in Washington D.C., Cathy grew up in a loving home as the daughter of Emery Cox Jr. and Barbara Hebner Cox. When Cathy was twelve years old, her family moved to Edina, Minnesota, a place she would call home for the majority of her life.
Cathy attended Edina High School (EHS) where she met her husband and lifelong best friend, Rick Giertsen. She graduated from EHS in 1964 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota, where she also modeled for Dayton's and appeared in "Glamour" magazine. Cathy shared a beautiful marriage with her husband, Rick, of 58 years. Together they raised three boys and loved spending time as a family; Cathy was always happiest when they were all together. Cathy led an active lifestyle, playing tennis in her 30's and 40's, but then taking to golf in her later years which became her true love.
Cathy was a proud member of The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Grey Oaks in Naples, Florida - communities where she formed lasting friendships and enjoyed many hours on the golf course. Cathy also kept active with long walks and adventurous travel. Cathy especially cherished the times traveling with her husband and family and had many great trips to Vail, Colorado and Naples, Florida. In the late 90's,
Cathy and Rick retired to Naples where they found joy in the sunshine and long walks together in the warmer weather. Cathy is survived by her husband, Rick; their three sons: Rick Jr. (Jennifer), Kevin (Dana), and Andrew (Laura); and seven cherished grandchildren: Stephanie (Jack McBride), Macauley, Brady, Peter, Richard III, Molly, and Dylan. Cathy also leaves behind her brother, Emery (Nancy) Cox and her sisters, Mary B. (Vince) Furst, Brigid (Dan) Moore, and Dierdre (Steve) Baker. She was predeceased by her parents but carried their memory with her throughout her life. May Cathy rest in peace and be remembered for her full and graceful life marked by her dedication to family and friends, and may her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
The funeral will be a private family service with a celebration of Cathy's life to be held on Thursday, June 12, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Family and friends will gather to honor Cathy's memory and the legacy she leaves behind. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
