Edna Emma Gierach

Edna E. Gierach (nee Mueller) went peacefully home to her Savior on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the age of 99.

Edna was born November 5, 1924 in Lakefield, WI. She was the oldest child of Arthur and Clara (nee Klug) Mueller. After her father’s untimely death in 1949, she helped on her family farm and worked as a clerk in her uncle’s store. Several years later an area farmer, Edwin Gierach, from Mequon came to their home to buy a wood stove. His son saw her and asked his father to “find out who that girl was”. The rest was history. Edna married Palmer Gierach at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lakefield on July 30,1955.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of almost 59 years, Palmer; one brother, Harvey Mueller; in-laws Herbert (Erna Jeske) Bellin, Tony Jeske, Oscar (Melita) Bellin, Louis (Alice) Scheunemann; infant daughter, Janet; many other relatives and friends.

Edna loved her family. She and Palmer were blessed with sons Richard (Gloria) Gierach of Hartland and Robert (Amy) Gierach of Mequon. Each of Edna’s sons blessed her with seven grandchildren as well as 16 great-grandchildren; Joshua (Kayla) Gierach; Lucas (Canda) Gierach – Elaina, Jason, Charlie, Chase; Isaiah (Shannon) Gierach – Logan, Maxwell; Hannah (Scott Stazen) Gierach – Clayton, Wylder, Cruz, Sachi, Skyler; Paul Gierach; Grace (Collin) Rutland – Benaiah; Noelle (Kyle) Re; Laura Prahl – Victor; Keith (Hannah) Gierach – Hazel, Selah; Rachel (Kevin) Ruehle – Levi; Kevin Gierach; Caleb Gierach; Timothy Gierach; Rebecca Gierach.

Edna was a very gifted and generous woman. She used her talents to quietly serve others. She could crochet, knit, sew, quilt, can food, be witty, milk cows, keep the books, drive tractors, care for children and other relatives, and garden both flowers and vegetables. All of her grandchildren possess at least one of her quilts, afghans or doilies. Robert and Amy were especially privileged to have her working with them on their dairy farm until after she was in her 70’s. The next 20 years Edna continued sewing quilts for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) at Trinity as well as babysitting and gardening. When Edna retired to memory care, she continued caring for others. She would read to other residents and attend to them as well as mentor and tell stories to her own care givers. Edna touched everyone by her quiet, generous spirit that came from her genuine love and trust in Jesus. May God grant her an eternal resurrection celebration.

Special thanks are given to all of Edna’s caregivers at Bridges. You are all a part of her family and have served her exceedingly well.

Visitation will be at Trinity Freistadt Lutheran Church in Mequon on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 10:00 am until the time of Funeral Service at 11:30 am.

Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or to LWML would be appreciated.