Jane Gerasch

Jane Ellen Gerasch 76, of Springfield, MN passed away with her family at her side on June 10, 2024. A celebration of Jane’s life took place on May 5 at the 6 East Smokehouse in Springfield, MN. Her children, siblings and their spouses or partners, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews came from Minnesota, South Dakota, Ohio, Michigan, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Florida to honor Jane. It was a day of showing Jane how loved she is, sharing memories and an opportunity to say good-bye. There will also be a memorial mass at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Springfield, MN at a later date.

Jane Ellen Gerasch was born on November 22, 1947 in Lamberton, MN to John and Clara (Beert) Schilling. She was the fourth of twelve children She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Wanda, MN. That is also where she attended school until the eighth grade, Jane attended Good Counsel Academy and graduated from Wabasso High School in Wabasso, MN in 1965. She then attended the University of Minnesota in Morris, MN for Criminology and Social Services for two years.

On February 28, 1970, she married Eugene Gerasch in Watertown, SD. They welcomed children Geno, Ernie, and Stephanie.

Jane worked at various jobs throughout the years including nursing home aide, Delmonte Manufacturing, 3M and nearly thirty-one years at Jackpot Junction Casino and Hotel as a Head Cashier before retiring in 2021 due to health reasons.

Jane was an avid reader, enjoyed Sudoku puzzles, bowling, board games and time with family. She loved to laugh and tell stories. Her laugh along with her quick wit made her a family favorite at any gathering. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy; she rarely went anywhere without one of them.

Grateful for sharing her life are two sons; Geno (Jolene) Gerasch of Springfield, MN; Ernie (Sara) Gerasch of Volga, SD; one daughter Stephanie Gerasch of Sleepy Eye, MN.  Six grandchildren Alex Gerasch of Mankato, MN; Austin (Amber) Gerasch of Brookings, SD; Ariana Gerasch (Mackenzie Barkley) of Ottawa, ON, Canada; Devyn Gerasch of Volga, SD; Anthony Gerasch of Sleepy Eye, MN; Machaela Gerasch of Volga, SD.

Her brothers; Michael (Jan) Schilling of Woodbury, MN; Dan Schilling of Macclenny, FL and Thomas (Susan) Schilling of Lamberton, MN. Sisters; Mary (Joe) Martin of Cleveland, OH; Terri Heaton (Tom Pepper) of Eden Prairie, MN; Anita (Rusty) Hyder of Leonidas, MI; Margaret Christopherson of Macclenny, FL; Sue (Doug) Schilling of Maple Grove, MN; sister-in-law Micha Schilling of Fort Smith, AR and brother-in-law John Hoffmann of New Ulm, MN. Many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents John and Clara Schilling, her sisters Stacy Bishop and Kathy Hoffmann and brother Stephen Schilling.