Dolores Gerber

Dolores J. Gerber, age 95, of Cresco, IA, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side, Tuesday afternoon, May 14, 2019 at Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2019 at Orleans Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway, IA, with Rev. Jeff Hansen officiating. Burial will be in Orleans Lutheran Cemetery.      Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah, and on Monday beginning at 12:30 p.m., one hour before the service, at Orleans Lutheran Church.     Dolores Juanita Cydell (Lillegraven) Gerber was born June 17, 1923 in Decorah, Iowa, the daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Peterson) Lillegraven.  After her mother died at age 2 she was adopted by Ted and Olive Scott at a young age.  She attended rural school in Orleans Township.  Dolores was united in marriage to Elmer G. Gerber on July 15, 1942 at Orleans Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway, Iowa. They were blessed with one daughter, Linda.  They farmed for many years until Elmer’s death on July 21, 2003. She has lived in the same farm house for over 90 years. Dolores was a member of Orleans Lutheran Church for about 90 years, where she was very active, and she served as the church organist for 19 years. She loved gardening, cooking, canning, ceramics, china painting, sewing, and quilting. She made many quilts for the church bazaars over the years, and was instrumental for many Lenten retreats at Orleans. She liked to play cards, and she loved Linda’s dog, Muffy.  Dolores looked forward to be going to her heavenly home. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Elmer; three brothers, Maynard, Wendal and Roland Lillegraven; and by one sister, Phyllis Smith. Dolores is survived by her daughter, Linda Isenberger of Decorah; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorials may be given to Orleans Lutheran Church, 2979 Co Rd W14, P.O. Box 2, Ridgeway, IA 52165, or the charity of your choice.