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Marilyn Ann Gerdts
Marilyn Ann Gerdts, age 91 of Waldorf joined her husband, Willard in Heaven on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at the Mapleton Community Home. Graveside services will be held privately with Pastor Michael Mathews officiating. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery in Waldorf.
Marilyn Ann was born in Freeborn County on May 9, 1930 the middle child to John and Hilda (Amundson) Olsen. She was baptized at Hartland Lutheran Synod Church on June 8, 1930. Marilyn confirmed her faith at Trinity Lutheran of New Richland where on June 23, 1954 she and Willard Gerdts were united in marriage, Rev. J.C. Walldom officiated.
Marilyn was a graduate of Freeborn High School and attended Wells Teacher Training, then continued on to Mankato State College. She taught students in rural schools, Waldorf, and Waldorf-Pemberton Elementary. First Lutheran at Waldorf has been her home church for many years. Here she was a choir member for over 50 years. She served several years as a Sunday School and V.B.S teacher. Marilyn was active in the Women’s Work Group, Altar Guild and Sunshine Committee. She was a Bingo volunteer at New Richland Care Center and helped several years at Farm America. Included in her special interests besides her faith and family were friends, fields, flowers, baking, reading, music, family old things, coach tours and hardanger stitchery.
Marilyn is survived by her son Lyndon (Brenda) Gerdts of Waldorf; grandchildren Ashley (Steve) Harguth, their children Ryan and Emily of Waseca; Collin (Amber) Gerdts, their children Olivia and Brooklyn of Waldorf; sister Arliss Bloch of Waseca; brother-in-law Marlin (Diane) Gerdts of Bloomington.
She is preceded in death by her husband Willard, February 28, 2016; parents John and Hilda Olsen; parents-in-laws Walter and Margaret Gerdts; brother and sister-in-law: Herman (Lois) Olsen; brother and sister-in-law: Erv (Erna) Eichhorst.
“God has a plan”
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My Deepest Sympathy to the Families and Friends of Marilyn she will be missed by a lot of people!!!!!!!
So many great memories of times with Marilyn and Willard! Working with the animals, trying to make friends with Skipper, all those wonderful holiday goodies (krumkake, lefse, rosettes, …), and them being anchors of the church and community; to name just a few.
Marilyn will be missed but it is such a comfort to know that she is at peace in heaven.
Condolences to Lyndon, Brenda, and the rest of her family.
Our deepest sympathy to you Lyndon, Brenda and family. Marilyn was a beautiful person inside and out and enjoyed being around her always. My brother John and I had Marilyn for our first grade teacher as Miss Olson and in 3rd grade as Mrs. Gerdts. Such a great teacher she was too. Thinking of you and God bless your family.
She was a great and kind sole. Will be missed
So thankful we were able to travel down to Mapleton a couple of weeks ago to visit with Marilyn. She was a God fearing, hard working and loving lady who always made you feel special by having some sort of treat or meal ready whenever you would stop in! We will miss you but know you are where you wanted to be. Our prayers are with your family.
Our sincere sympathy to your family. I enjoyed sharing apples and other garden extras from mom and dad’s garden with Marilyn. She would turn it into something wonderful and delicious and always had to share in return. She will be remembered as a very special friend and neighbor.