Gail Marie Demmer, 62, of Ellendale died after a courageous battle with cancer  on Monday, March 13, 2017, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester.

She was born Sept. 10, 1954, in Slayton, the daughter of Virgil and Lucille (Olthoff) Halbur. Gail graduated with the class of 1973 from Slayton High School. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the College of St. Theresa in Winona and began working at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester as a registered nurse.

Gail married Rick Demmer April 1, 1978, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton. The couple lived and farmed together near Ellendale. Gail later accepted a position at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea. She retired from fulltime nursing after many years working for the New Richland Care Center, where she was the director of nursing. For the past several years, Gail taught nursing classes part-time at Riverland Community College and worked as a nurse at Risen Homes in Owatonna.

Gail will be remembered as a selfless caregiver who devoted her time and love to her family. One of her greatest pleasures was spending time with her children and providing endless support within their lives. She loved doting on her three grandchildren. Her passion for agriculture was evident throughout her life. She was actively involved in the workings of the family farm, 4-H program, served as chairman of the Steele County American Dairy Association and coordinated the Junior Dairy Show. Gail enjoyed ceramics, flower gardening, knitting, sewing and baking and craft shows. She especially loved time on the pontoon at the lakewith her family.

She is survived by her husband, Rick Demmer, of Ellendale; daughters Amy (and Caleb) Ostrander of Hayfield, Lisa (and Kevin Krejci) Demmer of Woodbury; son, Scott (and Katie) Demmer of Ellendale; grandsons Isaac, Ethan, Liam; parents Virgil (and Lucille) Halbur of Slayton; sister, Cheryl (and Mike) Kellen of Parkers Prairie; brothers, Doug (and Becky) Halbur of Hadley, Gregg (and Denise) Halbur of Hadley and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by sister, Debra Vierhuf.

Visitation with reviewal will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday Christ The King Lutheran Church, 309 Sixth St. NE, in Waseca with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery in Ellendale.