Gilbert Mamer, 95, Owatonna

Gilbert John Mamer, 95, of Owatonna, MN, passed away Sept. 13, 2024, at Ridges Care Center in Burnsville, after a brief time in hospice care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 512 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna. Friends may greet the family at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. and continuing until the time of Mass. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna. Military Honors will be provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.

Gilbert was born in Canby, on May 29, 1929, to John and Mary (Mootz) Mamer. He was baptized, received Holy Communion, and was confirmed at St. Leo Catholic Church. Gil graduated from Canby High School in 1947.

In 1950, Gil volunteered to serve in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed in Germany as the base carpenter leading a team of American and German carpenters and was honorably discharged in 1954. Upon returning home, Gil farmed for 10 years in the St. Leo area.

In 1965, he married Mary T. Geurts in St. Leo, Minn. They moved to Sioux Falls, where they lived for three years before moving to Owatonna in 1970. He owned and operated Mamer Construction, a residential construction company until his retirement in 1991. He was proud to have built more than 100 homes during his career, with over 70 of them in Owatonna. He enjoyed fishing the lakes of Minnesota, collecting antiques and spending time in his many gardens. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and St. Serra Club.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Mary; three children: Ann (Steve) Lloyd, Lakeville, Joseph (Elin), Shakopee, and Robert, Saginaw, Mich.; four granddaughters: Libby, Frannie, Emily, and Sarah; and his brother, John Mamer, Lake Preston, S.D.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Roman and Donald.

Blessed be his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial to Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity, 1530 Greenview Dr. SW, Suite 107, Rochester, MN 55902 or Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.