Gail Marie Demmer, 62, of Ellendale, died after a courageous battle with cancer Monday, March 13, 2017 at Methodist Hospital, Rochester.
She was born September 10, 1954 in Slayton the daughter of Virgil and Lucille (Olthoff) Halbur. Gail graduated with the Class of 1973 from Slayton High School. She obtained her Bachelors Degree in Nursing from the College of St. Theresa in Winona and began working at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester as a Registered Nurse. Gail married Rick Demmer April 1, 1978 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Slayton. The couple lived and farmed together near Ellendale. Gail later accepted a position at Navy Hospital in Albert Lea. She retired from full-time nursing after many years working for the New Richland Care Center where she was the Director of Nursing. For the past several years, Gail taught nursing classes part time at Riverland Community College and worked as a nurse at Risen Homes in Owatonna.
Gail will be remembered as a selfless caregiver who devoted her time and love to her family. One of her greatest pleasures was spending time with her children and providing endless support within their lives. She loved doting on her three grandchildren. Her passion for agriculture was evident throughout her life. She was actively involved in the workings of the family farm, 4-H program, served as chairman of the Steele County American Dairy Association and coordinated the Junior Dairy Show. Gail enjoyed ceramics, flower gardening, knitting, sewing, baking and craft shows. She especially loved time on the pontoon at the lake with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Rick Demmer of Ellendale; daughters, Amy (and Caleb) Ostrander of Hayfield, Lisa (and Kevin Krejci) Demmer of Woodbury; son, Scott (and Katie) Demmer of Ellendale; grandsons, Isaac, Ethan, Liam; parents, Virgil (and Lucille) Halbur of Slayton; sister, Cheryl (and Mike) Kellen of Parkers Prairie; brothers, Doug (and Becky) Halbur of Hadley, Gregg (and Denise) Halbur of Hadley and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by sister, Debra Vierhuf.
Visitation with reviewal will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Christ The King Lutheran Church, 309 6th St NE, in Waseca with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery in Ellendale.