Dorothy Pauline Gere

Dorothy P. Gere, age 85, of Edina, MN passed away on April 28, 2025. Preceded in death by husband, Kenneth A. Gere; mother, Verna Danley; and ten brothers and sisters. Survived by children, Dana King and Brian Gere (Jamie); four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service on Friday, May 2, at 11 AM at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W 50th St, Edina, MN 55436. Visitation one hour prior. Interment at a later date at Stafford Cemetery in Kansas. Dorothy Pauline Danley was born July 9, 1939, in a Clifty, Arkansas. She was the youngest of 11 children. She grew up on a farm with her grandparents, mother, sister Mary Lou and brother James. Her oldest sister Oma was 20 years older and lived in Kansas. Dottie, as she liked to be called, spent summers at Oma's home. Oma's daughter Joyce was same age as Dottie. They were best friends. The summer Dottie turned sixteen she met the love of her life, Ken Gere. Ken pursued Dottie vigorously and even drove to Arkansas with his best friend. They were married a year later at seventeen years old. Their mothers had to sign for them because they were underage. This marriage lasted sixty-three years till Ken passed away. Ken and Dottie had two children, Dana and Brian. They were living in Hutchinson, Kansas at that time. They moved several times due to different jobs Ken took. They moved to Moline, IL then Fridley, MN then Harrison, Arkansas then the last move was to Edina, MN. They lived in Edina for fifty-four years and it is there they call home. Dottie was a full-time mom till Dana and Brian were in High School. She then took job with Powers that kept changing owners to Donaldsons then to Herbergers. She worked in high end women's clothing, and it was a perfect fit for her. She was asked to model the clothes for the store which she loved. Ken started an investment company and Dottie started working for him. They owned several senior apartments, and her job was to help qualify residents for subsidy. She also took special interest in the residents. She made sure they had coffee and snacks, social events and planned parties for holidays. This was very special to Dottie as her heart belonged to elderly people. Ken and Dottie traveled extensively. They loved travel except for cruises. Dottie got very sick on first cruise and that was the last of them for her! They traveled all of Europe, Scandinavian countries, Africa and Isreal. They then decided to buy a condo in Naples, Florida. They spent their winters in Naples and loved it. Famity visited ofton. Dottie and Ken were very strong Christians and very active in their church. Following Jesus and studying His word was a major priority to them both. There was always praise music playing in their home. You would see a devotional book and Bible on the kitchen table. They prayed for the family to come to faith in Jesus Christ. Their family carries this faith today. Dottie and Ken loved their grandchildren! Daniel, Sarah and David King lived in town, so they were blessed seeing their grandparents often. Josh Gere lives in Seattle and was loved very much. Josh and grandpa played Legos and grandma loved reading to him. All the grandchildren visited the Naples condo and loved swimming with them. Daniel has two daughters, Karissa and Kailee, who had a close relationship with both great-grandparents. Sarah has a son Jeremy that Grandma Dottie adores. He helps to keep her smiling! Dottie fought to live an independent life even with dementia. She lived on her own as long as she could. Her health took a downturn in October 2024 and needed to move in Memory Care. Dottie took a role of caregiver to elderly patients there as was her nature. She didn't see herself as elderly or needing help. Her body had other ideas. She became unable to eat. When the family visited, she would remind us, "I have had a good life!" She has indeed had a good life! See you in heaven!

Tributes

Dorothy Pauline Gere

July 9, 1939 - April 28, 2025

Tributes

Dorothy Pauline Gere

July 9, 1939 - April 28, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203