Obituary of Margaret Mary Gerlach

Maragaret (Marge) Mary Gerlach, age 88, was born June 16, 1935, to Herbert and Angeline Hageman in their family home of rural Denmark Township. She was the oldest of 8 children. Her early days of school were spent in Hastings, MN. Bethlehem Academy in Faribault is where Marge attended grades 9-11 and returned to Hastings for her senior year, graduating in 1955. After graduation, Marge worked for Hudson Sprayer Manufacturing in Hastings as the lead secretary. 

Marge met the love of her life, Gerry Gerlach, and the two were married April 22, 1957 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hastings, MN. The Army took the newlyweds to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where they were blessed with their first child in 1958. Soon after, they moved back to Minnesota where they were blessed with 3 more children. A big part of Marge's life was spent attending her children's many activities. 

When the children were all of school age, Marge started her bus driving career. Marge loved carting students in her little yellow school bus but after 25 years it was time to say goodbye. 

Marge's love of volunteering led her to many committees at the Church of St. Rita in Cottage Grove, where she and Gerry were original founders. 

Marge enjoyed gardening, canning, shopping (QVC her favorite), playing video poker, card playing with friends, winters in Arizona, caring for grandchildren and family gatherings. 

On July 14, 2023, Marge passed away peacefully with family by her side. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years Gerry, Jerry and Pat Hageman, Bernie Kasel, Tim McCarthy, Brice Johnson and Derek Hageman. Survived by sons Randy (Mary) Gerlach, Ron (Rhonda) Gerlach, daughters Lori (Gary) Swanson, Lisa (Joe) Wilmes; seven grandchildren Travis (Rachel) Swanson, Lindsey (Joe) Fewer, Kim Fuller, Aaron (Annie) Gerlach, Alyssa (Ethan) O'Connor, Callie Kemper and Collin Kemper; seven great-grandchildren Isabelle, Owen, Breck, Grady, Blake, Brooke and Brock. Also survived by sisters Patricia Hageman, Rita (Dave) Johnson, Barb Kasel, Sue (Richard) Childers, Mary Jo McCarthy and brother Gene (Donna) Hageman. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, August 10, at 11:00 AM with a visitation 2 hours prior, at the Church of St. Rita, 8694 80th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

A special thank you to Norris Square and Optage Hospice for the wonderful care given to Gerry and Marge.