Donald Edward Gens Obituary March 3, 2026 - Sturm Funeral Home

Donald Edward Gens, age 105, of Lake Crystal, Minnesota, died on March 3, 2026, at his home.Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church - Madelia on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.Interment will be at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Madelia.Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.Donald Edward Gens, was born Jan. 1, 1921 in Ceresco Township, Blue Earth County, MN, to Edward and Ella (Keehn) Gens. He was baptized and confirmed in Ceresco Zion Lutheran Church. Donald attended District School No. 130 through 8th grade, when he had to quit school to help his father, who had been injured, with the farm. In 1941 he graduated from Mankato Commercial College in junior accounting. He continued to farm in Ceresco Township, Blue Earth County, until the age of 96, when he moved into Madelia.On March 12, 1944 Donald and Marjorie G Berry were married by Rev. Hans Werner at the parsonage in Mankato, MN. They welcomed two children to their family: Barbara and Rodney. Donald's faith was a very important part of his life and his family's life. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Madelia, serving on the church council and cemetery board. He and Marjorie helped start the Cub Scout Program at Trinity. Donald served as a 4-H leader, and worked at the Blue Earth County Fair. He served many years on the Blue Earth County conservation program.He loved traveling, fishing, hosting parties, games, camping, gardening, playing pranks, a good conversation, drives in the countryside, and of course, farming. He would do anything for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he loved deeply.Donald Edward Gens, age 105, of Lake Crystal, MN died on March 3, 2026 at home.Donald is survived by his children, Barbara (James) Vantine and Rodney (Brenda) Gens; grandchildren, Christa (Lee) Kreutter, Katie Vantine, Jill (Dave) Terrell, Terri (Scott) Ingraham, Darrin (Lindsay) Gens, Matt (Lacy Wellman) Gens; 6 great-grandchildren, Kaitlin & Ashlynn Kreutter, Jackson & Ella Ingraham, Logan and Weston Gens; a niece and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents; brother, Lorentz (Norva) Gens; sisters, Delta (Harold) Keitzer, Esther (Anton) Boeck; brother-in-law, Lyle (Sylvia) Berry, and granddaughter, Jody Vantine.