Marilyn Ruth Gerlach, 90 year old resident of Upsala, MN, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Vitality Senior Living Center in Upsala. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala, with Pastor Michael Carlson officiating. A Gathering of family and friends will start at 10 AM, Monday at the church. Memorials can be made to Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala, Upsala Baseball Association, Upsala Lion’s Club, Upsala Historical Society, or the Upsala Community Center. Caring for Marilyn and her family is LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN.
Marilyn Ruth Nelson was born September 18, 1934, at the Nelson family farm in Upsala. She graduated valedictorian of the 1952 class of Upsala High School. She married John M. Gerlach on September 11, 1954. They lived in the Twin Cities area and when nearing retirement, John and Marilyn built a home on Cedar Lake, and spent winters at their home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Marilyn supported the community and once served on the board of the Upsala Area Historical Society.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, David E. and Malinda Nelson; brother, Gerald D. Nelson; and daughter and son-in-law, Terry and Jeff Johnson.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years, John Gerlach; children, Rose (Paul Lundequam), Susan (Dan Swanson) and John D. Gerlach; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; as well as many friends and beloved members of our extended family.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-