Gerhardt "Gary" G. Gensmer

Gerhardt G. “Gary” Gensmer, age 87, of Lancaster, died on Thursday, December 9, 2010. He was born on March 25, 1923, in Winona County, MN, the youngest and last survivor of eight children born to Anton and Emma (Keeter) Gensmer. On October 18, 1946, Gary was united in marriage to Janet A. Evanson at Central Lutheran Church in Winona, MN. He played the saxophone, clarinet and sang in a polka band, the Dutch Masters, for eighteen years. Gary was also employed as a district manager for Wayne Feeds. He enjoyed his hobby farm just west of Lancaster. Gary was especially known for his raspberry production. He loved fishing and golfing with his wife and best friend, Janet.

Survivors include his three children, Robert (Susan) Gensmer, Janesville; Frederick (Jean) Gensmer, Janesville; and Karen (Robert) Bedward, Lancaster; seven grandchildren, Lisa Lechner; Maj. Laura (Harold) Poston; Shelly (Roger) Swenson; Phillip Gensmer; Brian (Jesse) Knapp; Derek (Heather Moore) Knapp; and Kristina (Dale Steffen) Knapp; fourteen great-grandchildren, Alex, Jacob, and Tyler Lechner; Carolyn and Katherine Poston; Hayden and Finley Knapp; Noah Wainwright and William Steffen; Tanner and Lily Knapp;  Larry Moore; Jacob Gensmer and Haley Swenson; many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Janet, a son-in-law, Douglas Knapp and his brothers and sisters.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 13, 2010, at 12:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Lancaster with Pastor Shane Krause officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Monday, December 13, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family.