Jayn Gerlach

Jayn Kirschner Gerlach of Baxter, MN, (formerly Bloomington) passed away of natural causes on January 21, 2021 at the age of 84.

Jayn is survived by her husband of 62 years: LeRoy; sons: Mark and Greg; daughter: Debbie (Corey) Strege; grandchildren: Alan Gerlach, and Cassie, Sam & Max Strege; sisters: Karen & Betty Kirschner and Linda (George) Steiner; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents: Cyril & Virginia Kirschner, and an infant daughter: Tamara.

Jayn was born in Hutchinson, KS, graduated from Edina High School in MN, and went to Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis.  She worked as a nurse during two periods of her life, but was mostly a full-time mom and did much volunteering.

Jayn enjoyed travel, catalogs, and Turner Classic Movies.  Her greatest joys were family and faith.   After coming to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in the late 1960’s, she was actively involved in church, bible studies and children’s ministry.  Jayn & LeRoy moved to a home on Gull Lake in 1998 and she took great delight in hosting her children and grandchildren for frequent visits.

Jayn was a tireless advocate for special education and was instrumental in establishing special education recreational and social activity programs in Bloomington.  She also started and led a special education Sunday school class at Hope Church in Richfield.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 2 pm with visitation 1 hour prior at Lakewood Free Church in Baxter (this is one event for which Jayn will be on time).  Masks and COVID protocols required at the service, which will also be live-streamed at the following link https://vimeo.com/503855150

Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.   In lieu of flowers, donations to Lakewood Free Church https://lakewoodfc.com/  or Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center are appreciated https://www.lakesareapregnancy.org/

Brenny Funeral Chapel, Baxter www.brenny.com