Patricia (Pat) K. Gerdes

Patricia (Pat) Kay Gerdes, age 73, of rural Winona, went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Mary's Campus in Rochester, MN surrounded by her loving husband of 52 years and her 4 children that came from that love.

Pat was born January 16, 1951, to Blaise and Margaret (Peggy) Rothering who took her home to Minnesota City, MN. The family later moved to their family farm in Stockton Valley where she grew up with her sister and 5 brothers. On that farm is where her love for horses began. 

Pat graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1969. After high school Pat entered the workforce and worked for both Watkins and Winona Industries early on. In the summer of 1970 Pat met the love of her life Fred. They were married in April 1972. They settled on Pleasant Ridge near Witoka, MN, early in their marriage where they built a wonderful home and place for their 4 children to grow up.

After Pat’s youngest child started school, Pat started her career with the United States Postal service as a rural route carrier where she subbed on routes all over the county before taking a full-time route at the Minnesota City post office. Pat was proud of her career and served Winona County and her patrons for 23 years.

In the summer of 1990, Pat and Fred were able to fulfill their dream of owning their own farm. There they raised cattle, crops, and horses. The farm was truly heaven on earth for the entire family to enjoy and a place for Pat to return to her love of horses and enjoy all that life had to offer.

Pat enjoyed many things over the years including horse-back riding and tractor pulling alongside her husband Fred. She always stayed busy by doing her favorite things - sewing, crafting, drawing, cooking, baking for her small army, and sitting around campfires. Most of all she loved being surrounded by her loved ones.

Pat was the glue, the heart of her family. She was a mother figure to all that knew her and loved everyone as her own. She gave and loved endlessly and had an art for making all feel welcome and loved. Pat’s love and compassion for others had no boundaries.

Pat is survived by her husband of 52 years, Fred Gerdes; four children, Karrie (Lonnie) Christopherson of Lewiston, MN, Theresa (Casey Reed) Troyer of Lewiston, MN, Freddie (Amy Ruesgen-Geiwitz) Gerdes of Winona, MN and Jeff (Karen) Gerdes of Houston, MN; 12 grandchildren, Caleb (Shilo) McNally, Dylan (Felicia) Troyer, Carland (Brody Carlson) Gerdes, Hunter Gerdes, Cole Christopherson, Emma (Justin Guimond) Chapel, Isabelle Green, Hannah Troyer, Evelyn Gerdes, Ryder Gerdes, Jase Gerdes, Finley Gerdes; 4 great grandchildren, Owen Troyer, Willow and Ayla Carlson, and Parker McNally. Other children that became family; Derek and Anna Nord and their daughters Alexis, Madison, and Emerson, Shannon Dickenson, LaShawn Dickenson, and Amanda Schultz; sister Mary Bronk, brothers, Bill (Shelley) Rothering, Mike (Leslie) Rothering, Scott Rothering, and Chris (Tammi) Rothering; Mother-in-law Verna Gerdes; brothers-in law David (Carol) Gerdes, Neil (Cindy) Gerdes, Dale (June) Gerdes, Kevin (Lori) Gerdes; sisters-in-law, Carmen LaSater, Joan (Bob) Horst, and Martha (Dan) Clemmensen; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; brother Timothy Rothering, father-in-law Gorden Gerdes, sisters-in-law Julie Rothering and Mary Jo Gerdes, and brother-in-law Leon Bronk.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Ridgeway. Pastor Jason Threlkeld will officiate. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church. Burial will be at St. Paul's Cemetery in Minnesota City.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 8 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:45 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona. Visitation will also be held at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Ridgeway on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 1 PM until the time of the service.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you for the quick response from the Winona Health emergency room staff and the exceptional care that Pat received from the doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester, Saint Mary’s Campus, Mary Brigh building floor 7D. Your care and compassion will never be forgotten.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Pat’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.