Elizabeth Gerads

Elizabeth "Betty" Dora Gerads, age 64, passed away peacefully with family at her side on February 20, 2018 at her REM home in St. Joseph, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 24 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Melrose following the Mass.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Betty was born December 10, 1953 in Grey Eagle, Minnesota to William H. and Erma Linda (Bueckers) Gerads. She was a happy, loving person with Downs Syndrome. She was a great fan of Elvis and loved dancing, Diet Coke, and dollar bills.

Betty was in the care of REM Central Lakes for over 30 years and was involved with the WACOSA programs for many years. It was the care she received at REM along with her love of family and life that led to her many years in this world. She was greatly loved and will be missed by all.

Betty and her very best friend Lynn Ringeisen, who also lived at REM, spent many happy hours together and had great times going to dances, going on trips and many other fun activities. Lynn sadly passed away last year.

Betty is survived by brothers and sisters, Clarence (Alvina) Gerads of Melrose, Mildred (Raymond) Pohlmann of Grey Eagle, Frances (Alvin) Van Heel of Swanville, Victor (Mary) Gerads of Coon Rapids, Louise (Alcuin) Goebel of Freeport, Christine Wuebkers of Upsala, William (Ursula) Gerads of Henderson, Nevada, Roderick (Irene) Gerads of Albany, Beatrice (Celestine) Massmann of New Munich, Joan (James) Brickweg of Royalton, and Linda (David) Wegleitner of Grey Eagle; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Clarence Wuebkers; and several nieces and nephews.

Serving as casket bearers will be Jeff Gerads, Roger Goebel, Ronnie Van Heel, Brad Gerads, Russell Goebel, and Larry Van Heel. Cross bearer will be Randy Brickweg and scripture bearer will be Brian Wegleitner. Mass servers will be Casey Klein and Chase Oevermann. Gift bearers will be Ann Klein, Judy Waldvogel, and Susan Carlson. Eucharistic Minister will be Dale Wuebkers. Reader will be Jerry Pohlmann and words of remembrance will be by Patty Brake.

The family wishes to thank the staff at REM Central Lakes on 33rd Ave. and REM St Joseph, especially Beth and Lee; and the St. Cloud Hospital Hospice for their compassionate care.