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”