Verden Gerber

Verden Gerber, age 83, of Ortonville, died on Saturday, April 10, at Ortonville Area Health Services.

A funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa, MN. Visitation will be from 2:00-3:30 p.m. on Thursday at the church in Odessa. Burial will be at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery in Odessa.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to gather for visitations and services. The use of face masks by attendees is encouraged. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting and/or livestreaming will be viewable at www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.

Verden Ervin Gerber was born on March 3, 1938, to Ervin and Dorothy (Pansch) Gerber at home on a farm by Odessa, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa where he was a life-long member. Verden attended elementary school and graduated from Odessa High School. He attended Nettleton Business School in Sioux Falls, SD.

On March 19, 1960, Verden was united in marriage to Carole Mary Eleanor Stoltenburg at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. They spent their lives living in various homes in the Ortonville and Odessa area, residing at Fairway View in Ortonville at the time of his death. Verden and Carole were blessed with two sons: Brent and Barry.

In 1956, Verden began working at Northwestern State Bank as a teller. He continued working at the bank which became Northwestern State Bank, then Norwest Bank and now is Minnwest Bank. Verden retired as bank vice president after 41 years of service in 1997.

He was a Kiwanian, a school board member for 14 years, Odessa City Council person, long-time member of the Milltones Barbershop Chorus and was active in Jaycees and many other community activities.

He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, watching sports, attending school concerts and events and just getting together with friends for coffee. He was active in church and served as a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, served as an elder and loved mowing the church cemetery.

Verden and Carole traveled to many barbershop conventions and made many trips to Branson, MO. However, his true passion was visiting family and attending as many activities of his grandchildren as he could. Verden was a beloved dad and grandpa.

In 2018, Verden was diagnosed with ALS.  Through many physical challenges and with the constant support and care of his loving wife Carole, he faced all of his difficulties with dignity, grace, and humor.  His struggles ended as he passed from this world to be with his Lord on April 10, 2021, having reached the age of 83.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Carole; sons: Brent (Jenny) Gerber, of Detroit Lakes, MN; and Barry (Cathy) Gerber of Norfolk, NE; grandchildren: Rachel (Paul) Meyer, Sarah Gerber, Matthew Gerber (fiancée Evann Vrana), Ross Gerber and Jordan Gerber, as well as a great-granddaughter, Thea Meyer; he is also survived by sisters-in-law: LeVon Gerber, Ruth Ann (Gordon) Gloege; Kathryn Stoltenburg; aunt, Mabel Holman; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents: Ervin and Dorothy Gerber; sister and brother-in-law: Elaine and Art Dove; and brother, Virgil; his sister and brother in-law: Delores and Ray Amberg; and brother-in-law, Rodney Stoltenburg.

Memorials preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church and The Big Stone Healthcare Foundation.

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