Obituary for Gerald W. Loeffler

Gerald was born on July 22, 1931, to William and Bertha (Utke) Loeffler. He grew up in Crooked Creek where he walked through Gallagher’s fields to attend country grade school. His family moved to Caledonia around 1940. He rode the train to Freeburg so he could attend confirmation classes at Evangelical Church of Peace. He graduated from Caledonia High School in 1949.

On February 3, 1952, he married the love of his life, Fernanda Diersen. They worked together to build their dairy, hog, and chicken farm. They also enjoyed going to polka dances and were members of the Skyliners Polka Club. You could also find them playing euchre every chance they had.

After moving to Caledonia, the family became members of St John’s Ev. Lutheran Church. Over the years, he served in many capacities including Treasurer on the Church Council. As a side job, he dug graves at Evergreen Cemetery, sold gravestones, and assisted many people with his knowledge of the cemetery. He was a scroll saw enthusiast and his family and friends will continue to cherish his handiwork. He was a hardworking, caring, loving dad, grandpa and friend.

Gerald is survived by his 3 children, Karen (Terry) Coberley of Bay City, MI, Debra (Dale) Crist of Winona, MN, and Dean (Ledi) Loeffler of West Salem, WI, 10 grandchildren, Jeremy (Jenn) Coberley, David (Melissa) Coberley, Sarah (Jason) Zielinski, Dan (Layla) Coberley, Anthony (Sarah) Rostvold, Ryan (Kelly) Rostvold Streiff, Andrew (Kate) Loeffler, Eric (Nina) Loeffler, Kevin (Jen) Loeffler, and Craig (Katelyn) Loeffler; 3 step-grandchildren, Mitch (Danielle) Berg, Rachel (Jared) Bungartz, and Tony (Haley) Berg; 21 great-grandchildren; 7 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Leland and Doris Loeffler; sister and brother-in-law, Eileen and Herman Blegen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Alice Diersen; and brother-in-law, Marcus Diersen.

The Loeffler family would like to thank the entire staff of Claddagh Senior Living for the awesome care given to Dad over the past 7 weeks. They have become like family after caring for both Gerald and Fernanda over the last 4 years. We would also like to recognize the excellent care from St. Croix Hospice. Both Dad and Mom were truly blessed with the care they received.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 12, at St John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston Street, Caledonia, MN. Rev. Tom Schultz will officiate. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

A visitation at the church will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service, Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to St John’s Ev. Lutheran Church or St John’s Ev. Lutheran Grade School.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.