Babe Enderson

Gertrude “Babe” Enderson, 77, peacefully passed away on July 9, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea, with family by her side. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, joy, and kind spirit continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.

Babe was born on December 28, 1947, in Hollandale, MN, to Melvin and Mary (Loverink) Waalkens. In 1948, her family moved to a farm north of Hayward, where Babe’s journey in life and learning began. From those early days at country school to her graduation from Albert Lea High School in 1965, Babe always carried a quiet strength and a bright smile.

After high school, Babe began working at the telephone company. One evening, stepping outside her comfort zone, she joined friends for a night out and that night changed her life. She met the love of her life, Larry Enderson, and they were married on May 18, 1972, at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Together, they built a life full of laughter, partnership, and purpose. Babe and Larry eventually purchased the Korner Mart Gas Station in Clarks Grove from Larry’s parents, working side by side for over ten years. Later, Babe brought her steady dedication to her role at Streaters, where she worked in the office for many years.

A woman of many passions, Babe loved bowling and spent countless happy hours in both women’s and couples leagues. Her favorite time of year was Christmas, and she turned her home into a winter wonderland filled with trees, nativity scenes, and her cherished angel collection - all reflecting her deep love for the season and its meaning. Friday nights were reserved for “date night” with Larry, whether it was a simple drive in one of their classic cars (she had a soft spot for Corvettes) or a bite at A&W or Kenny’s Oak Grill in Austin. Their life together was filled with small adventures and deep companionship.

Babe and Larry moved several times throughout the Albert Lea area, finally settling into a home with a big backyard where they enjoyed watching wildlife and tending their yard together. Their home was a place of welcome and warmth, just like Babe herself. Babe was deeply close to her sister Bev, who was not only her sibling but her lifelong best friend. Saturdays were their special day - spent shopping, laughing, hunting for Christmas treasures or Dutch keepsakes, or simply enjoying one another’s company.

In recent years, as both Babe and Larry faced health challenges, they found comfort in being together at home, supported by devoted family, friends, and neighbors who cared deeply for them. Just two months after Larry’s passing, Babe joined him in eternal peace. She left this world surrounded by love and has now been reunited with the one who held her heart. Babe is lovingly remembered and survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Bev and Lynn Huston; sister-in-law, Judy Waalkens; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eugene and Donna Enderson; brother-in-law, Luvern Thrond; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry; her parents, Melvin and Mary Waalkens; her brother, John Waalkens; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Reka and Dale Neitzel, Marge and Louie Buckmaster; sister-in-law, Sylvia Thrond; parents-in-law, Kenny and Elsie Enderson; nephew, Mike Willaby; niece Delores Radcliff; and her beloved cats, Blackie, Booksie, and Lucky.

Gertrude “Babe” Enderson lived a life filled with faith, love, laughter, and devotion. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, cherished memories, and a reminder of the beauty found in everyday moments. Her warmth will be deeply missed but forever treasured.

Memorials are preferred to the Crossroads Church Building Fund (PACE).

The service will be live-streamed, and can be watched below, or from the following link: https://youtube.com/live/6wUyGrTzI5Y?feature=share