Sandra Gerken

Sandra Carol Brunner-Gerken, 58, of Lake City, was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She passed away suddenly at her daughter’s home on March 8, 2021 in New Richmond, WI. Sandra was born to Marlan & Carol (Dietsch) Staff on June 9, 1962 in Fort Madison, IA. She graduated from Danville High School in Danville, IA, graduated with a Bachelor's in Art history and Teaching from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, MO. Sandra was married to David Brunner on June 30th, 1984 at the Shinar Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Grove, IA. Sandra later remarried Thomas Gerken April 25th, 2005 at Trinity Lincoln Church in Lake City.

Sandy loved spending time with her grandchildren, enjoy life on the farm, spending every Christmas baking cookies with her daughters and grandchildren, creating crafts and lending her creative talents where she could. Sandy was involved in local community events, produced crafts for many boutiques, involved with both the Wabasha County Fair board, and the Wabasha County Pork Producers. Sandy was a comedian who had no boundaries between her stage show and regular life. She kept people rolling in laughter because she could find humor in the most mundane life circumstances. Sandy was the most generous person, a giver when there was nothing to give, a helping hand when needed and simply ready to get out there and get it done. Sandy will be greatly missed by all who knew her and brought so much light and joy to everyone’s life, kept the room bright with her humor and always kept life colorful.

She is survived by her husband Tom; her 4 daughters, Ashley (Steven) Mueller of New Richmond, WI., Alyshia Brunner of Roberts, WI., Melissa (Jason) Mehaffy of New London, IA., Heather Gerken of Cushing, MN.; 4 grandchildren, Corbin Brunner, Aria Mueller, Brandi Mehaffy, Willow Mehaffy; mother, Carol Staff of New London, IA.; sister, Paula (Robert) Mehaffy of New London, IA and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Marlan Staff; her brother, Leon Staff, and her nephew, William (Billy) Mehaffy.

A private family service will be held at Mahn Family Funeral Home in Lake City with Reverend Daniel Reich officiating. The Service will be Live Streamed on the Mahn Family Funeral Home Facebook Page on Saturday March 13th at 11:00 AM. A walk-through visitation will be held Thursday, March 12th, from 5 to 7 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home Anderson – Peterson Chapel Lake City. Masks and social distancing are required. On-Line Condolences may be placed at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com