Martha Solveig Meinerts

Martha Solveig (Nelson) Meinerts was born on December 19, 1934 in Luverne, Minnesota to Ragnvald and Alice (Knutson) Nelson. Martha graduated from Luverne High School and then took summer classes at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On June 4, 1960, Martha was united in marriage to Lowell Meinerts in Luverne. They made their home on a farm south of Luverne, welcoming three children. Martha was employed at Tri-State Insurance; Dr. Verlyn Johnson, DDS; General Mills; Luverne Hospital; Lakeville Target; and the Minnesota School of Beauty. She founded the family business, Riverview Kennels, and raised AKC-registered puppies for 25 years. Martha and Lowell moved to Farmington, Minnesota in September 1997, allowing them to live closer to their children and grandchildren. Following Lowell’s passing in 2000, Martha moved to Lakeville, Minnesota and for the last ten years greatly enjoyed living at The Fountains of Hosanna. On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Martha passed away peacefully at The Fountains of Hosanna in Lakeville, Minnesota at the age of 89 years, 6 months, and 22 days.

Enjoying church activities with her family was important to Martha. She attended First Baptist Church in Luverne until moving to the Twin Cities, where she joined Berean Baptist Church in Burnsville. Martha’s Norwegian heritage was a source of joy and interest throughout her life; she spoke the language into her youth. Martha was very artistic, enjoying art (drawing) and music, colorful personal presentation (beauty services for her hair and nails, red lipstick/shoes, wearing pearls), and the art of conversation.

Martha is survived by her children, Merlyn (Lisa) Meinerts of Lakeville, Marita (James) Albinson of Wayzata, Minnesota, and Rebecca (Rich) Faatz of Maple Grove, Minnesota; grandchildren, Hannah (Troy) Penz, Zachary Meinerts, Rachel Meinerts, Lisa (Heather) Albinson, Carrie (Steve) Bosmans, Jack Faatz, and Allison Faatz; great-grandchildren, Judah Penz, Emma Penz, Roger Bosmans, and Whitney Bosmans; sister, Ruth Huisman of Ellsworth, Minnesota; and many loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell Meinerts; and parents, Ragnvald and Alice Nelson.

Blessed be her memory.

Memorials are preferred to The Fountains of Hosanna (9850 163rd St. W., Lakeville, MN 55044) or Minnesota Hospice (17645 Juniper Path, Lakeville, MN 55044).