Margaret M. "Marg" Gerlach

Margaret M. "Marg" Gerlach, age 96 of Hastings, died suddenly but peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Margaret Mary, the daughter of Peter and Regina (Zilliox) Fasbender, was born on January 11, 1924, in Hastings. Following her graduation from Hastings High School, Marg moved to California and worked for Clorox during WWII. While living there, she met the love of her life, Henry Gerlach, who was stationed there during the war. On October 8, 1949, they were united in marriage and returned to Minnesota. After returning, Marg was an office assistant at Southern Pacific Railroad, and later became a dedicated homemaker. She enjoyed sewing clothes and Christmas ornaments, playing cards with friends, and baking her well-known desserts. Marg also enjoyed having breakfast with the neighborhood every Tuesday morning for years. She and Henry enjoyed dancing in their younger years, and wintering in McAllen, Texas. Most of all, Marg enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry; and by her siblings, Marie, Florence, Kay, Fuzzy, Regina, and Werner. Marg is survived by her daughter, Karen (Gene) Smith; brother, Peter (Harriet) Fasbender; sister-in-law, Rita Fasbender; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Private family interment will follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Cemetery. Marg's family kindly requests everyone in attendance respect the guidelines of wearing masks, no hugging or shaking hands, and keeping distance while joining us for the service. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.