Gerald W. Paehlke

Obituary

Gerald Willard Paehlke was born on July 13, 1940, in New Ulm, Minnesota. He was the son of Albert and Martha (Draeger) Paehlke. Gerald was baptized as an infant on August 18, 1940, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 11, 1954, both at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Fernando, rural Stewart, Minnesota. He attended District School 24 through the sixth grade before transferring to Stewart Public School. Gerald was a graduate of the Stewart High School class of 1958.

On June 5, 1964, Gerald was united in marriage to June Holtz at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. This marriage was blessed with three children, Bruce, Denise, and Chad. Gerald and June made their home in Gaylord before making their home in Hutchinson, Minnesota. They shared 61 years of marriage.

Gerald farmed with his uncle, Reinhard Draeger and his mother, Martha. After he was married, Gerald was employed as an egg processor at Crystal Foods in Gaylord for 25 years. Gerald was also employed by HTI in Hutchinson for over 10 years, where he worked until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Gerald was also a member of the Gaylord Jaycees and Game Protective League, where he was known as the Hamburger King.

Gerald was an outdoors enthusiast with appreciation in going to the lake, hunting and fishing, as well as spending time at his trailer he had on the Horseshoe Lake Chain for nearly ten years. He also enjoyed playing cards, dancing to polka and country music, and attended many dances at local ballrooms including Gibbon, Lake Marion and Playmor. Gerald especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

Gerald passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 85 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Gerald is survived by his:
Wife, June Paehlke of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Denise Litzau and her husband, Darian of Lester Prairie, MN,
Chad Paehlke and his wife, Kristi of Kerkhoven, MN;
Grandchildren, Travis Paehlke, Ashley Paehlke, Kelsie Paehlke, Kristin (Chris) Greenwald, Brittany Litzau, Derek (Katie) Litzau, Hannah (James) Stark, Hunter Paehlke, Logan Paehlke;
Step-grandchildren, Ethan Moat, Evan Moat;
Great-grandchildren, Jayden Greenwald, Ethan Greenwald, Blake Greenwald, RaeLynn Stark, Billie Stark, Oliver Litzau;
Step-great-grandchild, Shay Odegaard;
Many other relatives and friends.

Gerald is preceded in death by his Parents, Albert and Martha Paehlke; Son, Bruce Paehlke; Parents-in-law, Ray and Loretta Holtz; Brother-in-law, Arnie (Marlene) Holtz; Sister-in-law, Joyce (Jon) Reiner; Great-granddaughter, Savannah Litzau.