Gerda Calkins

Gerda Lina Calkins was born January 15, 1924 to Willy and Lina (Espig) Beneskiewicz in East Germany. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church in Chemnitz, Germany. Prior to moving to America in May of 1958, Gerda worked at a bank in Germany. In 1962, she legally became a United States citizen. On October 20, 1958 she was united in marriage to Wendel Calkins. The couple lived 27 years in New Jersey and had a home in the Poconos. In 1986, they retired and moved to Lamberton. For many years, Gerda was an officer for the VFW Auxiliary and belonged to the Lamberton American Legion Auxiliary. She loved to travel to many places and returned to Germany every 3 years. Gerda was an avid bowler and accumulated many bowling trophies and enjoyed watching food and travel tv programs. Gerda is survived by her sister Karin (Rolf) Gaing and her children - Anett Lohse and her children Elisabeth Lohse and Patrick Loshe all of Chemnitz, Germany; sister-in-law - Audrey (Marvin) Johnson of Eden Prairie; nephews - Roger (Bonnie) Batalden of Lamberton, Bradley (Char) Johnson of Eden Prairie, David (Elizabeth) Johnson of Eden Prairie; many great and great-great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Wendel (Frank) Calkins; sister-in-law Frances (Reuben) Batalden; niece Vicky Johnson. Visitation 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Monday, February 24, 2014 Sturm Funeral Home, Lamberton Chapel 502 S. Main Lamberton, Minnesota, United States 56152 Service Information 1:30 pm Monday, February 24, 2014 Sturm Funeral Home, Lamberton Chapel 502 S. Main Lamberton, Minnesota, United States 56152 Interment Information Lamberton Cemetery 2700 125th St. Lamberton, Minnesota, United States 56152