Obituary For VIRGINIA “GINNY” W. GERDES – 87

St. Cloud — Virginia “Ginny” Wilhelmena Gerdes, 87, of St. Cloud, passed away September 13, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Ginny graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College and spent much of her career as a first-grade teacher. She had a passion for literacy and helped instill a love of books and reading in countless children. Ginny also enjoyed writing stories and composing organ music. She was a member of her family, a caregiver and teacher, and remained in contact with former students.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in North Star Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the church.

Survivors include her sister, Marilyn (Alvin) Gunnink of Milaca; brother, Russell of Waite Park; sister-in-law, Carla Gerdes Gardner of Cold Spring; and generations of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, along with other family members, former students and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilhelmena and Henry Gerdes; brothers Darwin, Joseph, Robert, Ernest and Ritchie Gerdes; and other relatives and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Kings Academy, formerly St. Cloud Christian School, are preferred.

Arrangements are being handled by Benson Funeral Home.

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