Geraldine C. Vangen, age 78, passed away December 16, 2015, at the Owatonna Hospital. Funeral service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 at St. John Lutheran church, Owatonna. There will be a one hour visitation prior to the funeral service starting at 10 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at First Lutheran Cemetery, Ellendale.
Geraldine was born Sept. 25, 1937 in Albert Lea, MN to Raymond and Verdell (Hagen) Distad. She grew up in the Hope area, graduating from Owatonna High School class of 1955. After high school Gerry worked as an accountant for the Steele County Highway Department where she worked until retirement. She married Kenneth Steele in spring of 1963 in Owatonna, and later she married Odean Vangen in the fall of 1977. They both preceded her in death.
Gerry enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, Ceramics, and loved to cook and bake especially Lefse. She was a big Vikings and Gophers sports fan. She will always be remembered for meeting up with her usual “Thursday night gang” for dinner and conversation. Gerry will be missed by her high school classmates at their monthly luncheons.Gerry will be missed by her monthly luncheon with her high school classmates.
She is survived by siblings, Diane (Don) Matejcek, Carolyn VonRuden, both of Owatonna, Sandra Thom, Villard, MN, Bruce (Carolyn) Distad, Clearwater, MN; six stepchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Gerry was preceded in death by parents, both husbands, two brother-in-laws, James VonRuden and Michael Thom. Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society, St. John Lutheran Church, Owatonna or donor’s choice. For more information or to leave an online condolence message go to www. brick-megerfuneralhome.com.