Michael Henry Gerten

Michael Henry Gerten, 79, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on June 14, 1946, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Leonard and Margaret Gerten, Mike was the second oldest of ten siblings. He joined the Army in 1968 and served honorably for four years. He later attended St. Mary’s University and Dakota County Technical College. In 1972, he married the love of his life, Theresa “Terry” LeDuc, with whom he shared 53 devoted years.

In 1979, Mike joined his father, Leonard, in running Gerten Brothers. He and Terry moved to Hastings in 1982, where they continued farming while Mike also worked intermittently for Hitchcock Industries for more than twenty years. He took great pride in his family and his farm. Known for his sharp humor and even greater generosity, Mike was his children’s strongest supporter. He touched many lives through his involvement with farmers markets, Kangwha-Do veterans, bowling, cards, fishing, the Knights of Columbus, and his winters snowbirding in Florida.

Mike is survived by his wife, Terry; his children, Kim (John), Henry (Theresa), Dan (Lori), Connie (Jeff), Lenny (Ari), and Stacey Hentges, along with Lonzen Rugira and Brian Coffey; thirteen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Margaret, and his siblings, Terry and Phil.