Geneva M. Drechsel, 77, a resident of Erhard, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at her home under the care of her family and LB Hospice.
She was born on November 15, 1940, in St. Olaf Township, the daughter of Herben and Ruth (Thompson) Sumstad. Geneva was baptized on April 22, 1941, in Dalton, and confirmed on May 8, 1955, at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. As a child, Geneva attended school in Fergus Falls.
On September 13, 1958, Geneva was united in marriage to Lowell Drechsel. The couple made their home near Erhard. Geneva and Lowell were members of Tonseth Lutheran Church, rural Erhard.
Geneva worked at the Normandy Café for a number of years. She also was employed by Lake Region Healthcare in the kitchen where she worked for 37 years before retiring in 2012. In 1990, her husband invented the Insulated Insul Vent for the sewer pipe on the roof of the house. She and her family ran this business for 13 years before selling the business to Productive Alternatives.
Geneva loved to play BINGO, the slots at the casino, and Crazy Eights and dice with her family. She also loved spending time with her family and friends, as well as her monthly minister visits.
Geneva will be remembered as a family person. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren. She was a great wife. Geneva will be remembered for her great work ethic and not to mention a great donut maker. She will be deeply missed.
Preceding her in death were her parents; mother and father-in-law; brother, Chester Sumstad; sisters, Diane Meder and Elaine Sydow; brothers-in-law, Blaine Nelson, Roger Sydow, Alfred Drechsel, Willfred Drechsel, Donald Drechsel, James Drechsel, Gorden Haarstick; sisters-in-law, Laura Haarstick and Dorothy Drechsel; and son-in-law, John J. Jacobson.
Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Lowell Drechsel of Erhard; two sons, Delayne (Sandra) Drechsel of Erhard, Randy (Jackie) Drechsel of Fergus Falls; one daughter, Darla Jacobson of Erhard; three grandchildren, Wes (Tiffany) Drechsel of Underwood, Adam Peasley of Erhard, Jenna Peasley of Erhard; three brothers, Donald (Shirley) Sumstad of Menahga, David (Trudie) Sumstad of Wallkill, NY, Steven (Regina) Sumstad of Andover; sister, Elizabeth Nelson of Coon Rapids; sisters-in-law, Edith Sumstad of Fergus Falls, Carol Drechsel of Erhard, and Carol Drechsel of Fergus Falls; as well as many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2018, with a 5:30 public prayer service at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, February 15, 2018, at Tonseth Lutheran Church, rural Erhard
Clergy: Rev. Darrel Saathoff
Interment: Tonseth Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Erhard, MN
Arrangements provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls
Online condolences may be sent to
www.OlsonFuneralHome.com