Sylvia "Sally" Ann Gerhart

Sylvia “Sally” Gerhart passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Sally was born in St. Paul, MN, on February 16, 1934, the daughter of Austin and Evelyn (Shave) Hanson. After spending most of her childhood in Austin, MN, she graduated from Owatonna High School in 1952. Sally met Gene at the Terp Ballroom in 1953, beginning a love story that would last more than 71 years.

Sally married Gene Gerhart on January 15, 1955, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin, MN. Soon after, they moved to Brownsdale where they welcomed seven children. Special memories were made camping, popcorn in front of the TV, and Sunday drives in the station wagon. Sally was devoted to her family and volunteered her time to church, school, and community. Gene and Sally were active members of Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Brownsdale for 62 years. Once it closed, they became members of Queen of Angels again.

After all the kids graduated and left home, Sally discovered a love for painting. Many paintings featured local scenes preserving the history of the communities. She included her kids and grandchildren in her artwork and even painted portraits of all 18 grandchildren. Soon it became more than a hobby, and she began winning prizes at the Austin Fair and Freedom Fest. Her paintings can be seen at many businesses in Austin. Sally generously handed out her cards to many people she encountered. As a three-time cancer survivor, she enjoyed donating her artwork to various cancer fundraisers.

When Gene retired from the Brownsdale Meat Service, they enjoyed many bus trips, dancing, spending time together, and hosting garden parties. Sally loved tending her flower gardens, lunches with classmates (therapy group), Red Hatters, church, and Brownsdale friends. A warm pan of sticky buns was always ready to be served to family and friends, a recipe from her best friend. Her greatest joy was being with family and having them all together.

Sally is survived by her husband, Gene; her children, Shirley Helmbrecht, Greg Gerhart, Nan (Mark) Severtson, Jo (Mark) Tschann, Sue (Kevin) Jorgenson, Laurie (Dave) Opseth, and Brian (Angie) Gerhart; 18 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her in-laws, Jerome and Mary Gerhart, and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; two sisters and their spouses; her daughter-in-law, Denise Gerhart; son-in-law, Bruce Helmbrecht; in-laws, Robert and Marlene Gerhart; nephews; and a niece.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sally will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin. The visitation will take place from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 24, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin with a Rosary and a time of sharing beginning at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Brownsdale, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, Sally requests donations to local food banks, or you may bring bags of non-perishable items to the visitation or church, and they will be distributed. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.