Geraldine "Gerri" Mendenhall

Geraldine “Gerri” Janice Mendenhall, 79, of New Richland, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna, MN.

Gerri was born August 1, 1942, in Ceresco Township, in Blue Earth County, the daughter of Alvin & Lydia (Klaus) Bergemann.  She grew up in Garden City, MN and graduated from Garden City High School in 1960.  She attended college in Mankato.  She was married to Lee Mendenhall on September 12, 1964.  They lived in St. Paul where she worked as a bookkeeper for Honeywell while Lee was obtaining his teaching degree.  They moved to New Richland in 1966 where she was a stay-at-home mom until her kids started school and then she got a job as the Office Manager at the New Richland Dental office.  She worked at many dental offices before she retired.  After retirement, she took a part-time summer job at the Riverview Golf Course.  She spent 25 years there and developed many friendships.

Her hobbies and interests included going to the casino, playing games on her computer, shopping at thrift stores and nights out with friends.  Some say she was a bit outspoken – that was Gerri.  She looked forward to summer vacations to lakeside resorts where she loved the time spent with family.  She loved shopping for Christmas gifts all year long as this was her favorite holiday.  Her family and friends were her greatest treasure.

She will be greatly missed by her husband of 58 years, Lee;  daughters Brenda (Leon) LaRock of Breezy Point and Becky (Dennis) Hendrickson of Hayfield; son, Brian (Shelly) Mendenhall of New Richland; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ronnie Bergemann; nieces and nephews; and special friends, Jean Greenwood and Tim Thompson. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Violet; brother, Erich; brother-in-law, Dean Putrah; and her nephew, Jeff Putrah.

A visitation celebrating her life will be held at Friedrich’s Funeral Home in New Richland on Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 4-7PM. Burial will be held privately.