Geraldine Grace "Gerri" Lienke

GERALDINE GRACE “GERRI” (SCHLAAK) LIENKE, age 78, of Waldorf, MN, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in her home surrounded by her loved ones after a brave battle with cancer.

Gerri was born on October 30, 1947, in Waseca, MN, the daughter of Marvin and Grace (Truebenbach) Schlaak. She was the oldest of three girls and was raised on a dairy farm. Gerri attended New Richland High School, where she graduated before beginning a life centered on family, faith, and hard work.

On December 10, 1966, she was united in marriage to Dave Lienke at St. Peter’s Church in New Richland. Together, they built a life on a dairy/hobby farm outside of Waldorf, where they raised their four children and shared 59 years of marriage.

Gerri worked for 10 years at the Waldorf Municipal Liquor Store and later dedicated 26 years to Crystal Valley Co-op. She was also active in her community, serving on the Board of Directors for Steele-Waseca Co-op for 21 years and as a board member for Freedom Township for 12 years. She was a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Alma City.

Gerri found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing cards, visiting with friends and loved ones, and embracing life in the country. She also cherished being a fur-mom to her beloved feline companion, Lincoln.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Dave Lienke; four children, Kim (Jeff) Brinkley of Franklin, TN, Shannon (Darnell) Alexander of St. Louis Park, MN, Bridget (Erik) Wiebold of Lebanon, TN, and Bill (Katie) Lienke of Sioux Falls, SD; and ten grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Audrey Weiscke of New Richland and Sandra (Randy) Shaw of Worthington, many brothers and sisters-in-law, along with many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Grace Schlaak; her parents-in-law, John and Eileen Lienke; and her brother-in-law, John Weiscke.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Alma City. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Alma City Cemetery.