Dolores Elizabeth Gergen (Ross), age 95 of Cannon Falls, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2023.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, William J. Gergen, and son, Thomas A. Gergen.
She is survived by children William (Julie), Stephen (Victoria), Marion (Carey), Linda, Gregory, Carolyn, Constance (Gary), Joel (Mary), Donald (Christine), and Alan, along with grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Raised in St. Paul, Dolores was a member of the class of 1946 at Harding High School. She attended the University of Minnesota and majored in journalism. Dolores and William met at her father’s hotel and bar in Hampton, MN where Dolores was employed. They married in 1950 and raised a family of eleven on the Gergen homestead farm near Randolph, MN. Lifelong lovers, they enjoyed dancing and earned recognition as top dancers in the region.
For over thirty-five years Dolores wrote a weekly column for the Cannon Falls Beacon “Thoughts on Sundays (and other weak days)” winning the praise of many dedicated readers and earning numerous newspaper awards. Her columns were known for their witty, wise, and often poignant musings of her childhood in St. Paul, days on the farm, and the woes, wonders, and whimsies of raising eleven children.
Her last years were spent at the Cannon Rivers Senior Living facility which provided loving care during her final days for which her family will be forever grateful.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, June 28, at 11am, with visitation from 9-11am, at St. Mathias Catholic Church, 23315 Northfield Blvd, Hampton. Interment was at the church cemetery. A life celebration lunch followed in the church basement. Memorials may be gifted to St. Mathias Catholic Church.
