James D. Gerths, 80

James D. Gerths, 80, of Owatonna, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Homestead Hospice House.

He was born June 26, 1932, in Dodge Center, Minn., the son of Earle and Flossie (Checkel) Gerths. Jim graduated from Dodge Center High School with the class of 1950 and then entered the United States Navy, serving from 1951-1955. Jim then attended the University of Minnesota. Jim married Marla Harff June 22, 1957, in Hastings, and the couple made their home in Farmington for 28 years where Jim worked as an insurance agent for State Farm, later moving his business to Lakeville where they lived for 10 years. After retiring, the couple moved to Cohasset, Minn., near Grand Rapids, where they lived for 11 years before moving to Owatonna 5 years ago.

Jim was a member of Associated Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time with his grandchildren and his sons, and being with family. Jim was a member of the Farmington Lions, Farmington School Board, Masons Corinthian Lodge, American Legion, charter member of the Lakeville Rotary Club where he was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Jim was also involved with the Salvation Army in Grand Rapids.

He is survived by his wife, Marla Gerths of Owatonna; three sons, Jon (and Karen) of Des Moines, Steven (and Jacqueline) of Apple Valley, and Fritz of Shoreview; and four grandchildren, Maggie, David, Molly, and Allison.

He is also survived by two brothers, Everett "Moe" Gerths of Chipley, Fla., and Greg (and Carrie) Gerths of Inver Grove Heights.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Gerths.

Visitation will be at White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Tr., Lakeville, MN 55044, from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, and at the Associated Church in Owatonna from 10-11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 10. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 10, at the Associated Church, with the Rev. James D. Oberg officiating. Interment will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings. Memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic, Salvation Army, or Associated Church.

Michaelson Funeral Home of Owatonna is handling arrangements, 1930 Austin Rd., P.O. Box 482, Owatonna, MN 55060, 507-451-7943.

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