Erma Martha Gerken

Erma Martha Gerken, 91, of Red Wing died on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at St. Crispin Living Community- Seminary Home. Erma was born in Hay Creek Township on September 28, 1925 to Edwin and Alvina (Hadler) Strusz. As a child, she moved to Featherstone Township and attended school in Featherstone. Erma worked as a homemaker and at the Red Wing Shoe Company. She married Herbert Gerken on August 31, 1946 in Featherstone Township. The couple began farming together in Hartland Township in Pierce County and later in Hay Creek Township. In 1955, they moved to Featherstone Township and farmed there until their retirement. She moved to Red Wing in 2000. Erma was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, baking and playing cards.

Erma is survived by her children, Ronald (Jane) Gerken of Red Wing, Ardis (Dennis) Weigand of Theresa, Wis., Sandra Meyer of St. Cloud, and Beverly (Michael) Watson of Wabasha; nine grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; six step great grandchildren; one brother, Elroy (Shirley) Strusz of Zumbrota and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband and one brother Reynold Strusz.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Red Wing with Reverend Peter Sternberg officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Burnside Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to St. John's School or church. Funeral arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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Visitation

SEP 10. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CDT)

St. John's Lutheran Church - Red Wing
423 East Ave
Red Wing, MN

Funeral Service

SEP 10. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (CDT)

St. John's Lutheran Church - Red Wing
423 East Ave
Red Wing, MN