Geraldine Lehman

Gerry was born on February 15th, 1939 to George and Gladys Etl, who farmed just east of Eden, SD. She was the second of five children, the first of three daughters. Her early years were filled with horseback riding, drawing, working on the farm, and attending country school. She went to high school in Grenville, SD; and, it was there that she met her future husband, Joseph S. Lehman. After her graduation, they married on October 26th, 1957 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eden. They eventually settled in Mounds View, Minnesota, where Gerry continued to live until her death.
She began working as a waitress at Donatelle's Supper Club in the late 1960's. After a while, she took a job there as the week day hostess. She really enjoyed the interaction with customers and co-workers; and, she finally retired after more than 30 years of service.
Gerry enjoyed drawing, gardening, reading, sewing, baking, and music. Gerry and Joe hosted many garage parties that centered around music played by attending friends and family members. She even played bass guitar in a band that included her brother Gene for a few years. She enjoyed being with family and friends. She took pleasure in watching her kids play in their country band; and, her grandkids participate in many sporting and musical activities. In 2004, Gerry's husband passed away. Her daughter moved back to the home place and remodeled the house. It was then that her new favorite past time became sitting out on the porch with her dogs, watching the birds, and feuding with the squirrels.
Gerry was preceded in death by her brother Gene (Shirley) Etl. She is survived by her five children: Deb, Jeff (Jan), Dianne (Russ) Wright, Mike (Heidi), Shelly (Russ) Landry; and, siblings Georgia Streier, George Jr. (Donna) Etl, and Gayle (Jim) Pearson. Gerry was blessed with ten grandchildren: Jamie, Joe (Jen) and Joshua Lehman; Cole and Chad Wright; Kristina, Jakob, Alek, and Maria Landry; Michael Koller-Lehman; and four great-grandchildren: Jackson, Julia, Jolene, and Jeffrey Lehman. Bonus grandkids include: Jonathan, Shala, Shelby, and Andrew Koller-Benson; and, Ricky.
Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, 11 AM with visitation one hour prior at the Church of St. Timothy, 707 89th Ave. NE, Blaine. Visitation also 5-8 PM Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley. 763-571-1300. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. www.millerfuneralfridley.com