M. Lucille Gerberding, 102

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Blue Earth – M. Lucille Gerberding, a loving individual who touched the lives of many, passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2024, her 102nd birthday. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blue Earth. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial took place at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth.

Born on Jan. 11, 1922, in Grant Township, Iowa to Roy and Anna Mae (Read) Mino, the second oldest of six children, was known for her kind and gentle nature. Lucille graduated in 1939 from Grant Consolidated School, Iowa. She married the love of her life, Henry Gerberding on Oct. 15, 1939 and they were blessed with five children. Lucille filled her time raising their children and when they were older, she worked at Green Giant during the canning season.

Throughout her life, Lucille found joy in the simple pleasures. She had a passion for watching the Minnesota Twins, playing bridge, golfing, gardening, canning, and baking. Lucille’s warm and welcoming home served as a gathering place for family and friends, where she so loved preparing delicious meals for all. Her genuine interest in others, coupled with her quick wit, made every visit a memorable experience.

Apart from her dedication to her family, Lucille actively participated in various community organizations. She was a devoted member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church Ladies Aide, the Lutheran Women’s Mission League, United Hospital Auxiliary, and Meals on Wheels were some of her favorite volunteer opportunities. It gave Lucille great joy in serving her fellow community members. Her legacy of devotion, kindness, and love will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

The memory of Lucille will forever be cherished by her children: Ron (Nancy) Gerberding, of Park Rapids, Kate Haase, of Mesa, Arizona, Deb (Mark) Tagatz, of Woodbury and Bob (Tammy) Gerberding, of Corpus Christi, Texas; grandchildren: Kara (Kelly) Drake, Brent (Connie) Gerberding, Tammie Gerberding, Brad (Monica) Gerberding, Tabitha Ponkey, Thomas (Magdalena) Gerberding, Jody Kramer, Daniel Gerberding, Andrea Gerberding, Elizabeth Tagatz and Michael Tagatz; granddaughter-in-law, Laura Haase, 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Hilpipre; as well as her countless extended family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband; son, Thomas; grandson, John Haase; siblings, Marge Skaggs, Marion Olson, Jannice Bray and infant brother, Elwood; and daughter-in-law, Voni Gerberding.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church or Interfaith Caregivers, in Lucille’s memory. Her selfless spirit and dedication to her faith make this gesture a fitting tribute to honor her life.