Melvin Gerads

Melvin G. Gerads, age 89 of Upsala, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at his home in Upsala, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 14 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala, Minnesota with Rev. Virgil Helmin officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday all at the church. Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. on Thursday evening.

Melvin Gregor Gerads was born May 28, 1937, in St. Francis, Minnesota to Thomas and Juliana (Muellner) Gerads. He attended school through the eighth grade before helping on the family farm. In 1960, Melvin enlisted in the National Guard, where he proudly served for six years.

Following his military service, Melvin worked at the Upsala Co-Op Creamery before purchasing a farm south of Upsala. He dedicated his life to farming until 2003, when his son took over the operation. Even after retiring, Melvin continued to lend a helping hand on the farm, remaining closely connected to the work he loved.

On May 13, 1959, Melvin married the love of his life, Delores Von Wahlde, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Melrose. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work, sharing many years and countless memories.

Melvin enjoyed spending time on the dance floor, playing cards with family and friends, riding snowmobile trails, and casting a fishing line whenever the opportunity arose. He was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Upsala, where his faith was an important part of his life.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Delores Gerads of Upsala; children, Sharon (Alan) Roering of Grey Eagle, Debbie (Dale) Engelmeyer of St. Rosa, Robert “Butch” (Mary Lou) Gerads of Bowlus, Donald (fiancé Tracy Zimmermann) Gerads of Little Falls, Linda (David) Cichon of Bowlus, and Jamie (Becky) Gerads of Upsala; siblings, Rosemary (John) Weber, Rudy (Bernice) Gerads, Ellen Wenning, Julie (Gary) Westrich, Maryann (John) Wolters, Bernice (Paul) Seitz, and Jane (Al) Rosen; and 16 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Juliana Gerads; brother, Meinard Gerads; daughter-in-law, Nancy Gerads, brother-in-law, Arnold “Arnie” Wenning; and great-granddaughter, Addison Wensman.