Gerald Wangen, 1928-2018

Published 1:00 am Friday, October 26, 2018

Funeral services for Gerald D. Wangen will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Shane Koepke will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Bonnerup Funeral Service is assisting the family.

Gerald Wangen

Gerald passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at Parker Place in Parkersburg, Iowa, where he had moved to be near family. He was 90.

Gerald was born Jan. 31, 1928, in Albert Lea, the son of Carl and Luella Wangen.

Gerald grew up farming with his dad east of Albert Lea and attended country school and Albert Lea schools.

Gerald was united in marriage to Lois Hartwig on July 14, 1951, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Osage, Iowa. They shared more than 63 years together before Lois passed in 2014. Gerald and Lois spent more than 29 years farming near Hartland, where he also raised dairy cattle. He spent some winters working at Queen Stoves in Albert Lea, as well. Gerald and Lois moved to Albert Lea after retiring. They loved to travel and took many trips.

Gerald was a lifetime member of Grace Lutheran Church. He loved being around people and engaging in conversation. You could always see the special glint in his eye when his grandsons were around. He was so proud.

Gerald is survived by children Cindy (Milt) Bighley of North St. Paul and Carole (Steve) Schoon of Cedar Falls, Iowa; grandchildren Nick and Adam Bighley (fiancee, Tiffany Norlander), Matt (Alice) Schoon and Josh Schoon;  and great-grandson, Isaac D. Schoon.

Gerald is preceded in death by his wife, Lois; parents Carl and Luella Wangen; and grandson, Daniel Schoon.