Geraldine Meyer

Geraldine A. “Gerry” Meyer, age 98 of Melrose, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, surrounded by her family at Cura Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.

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Alice Geraldine (Gerry) Zachman was born September 8, 1927 in Melrose to Dr. Albert and Eleanor (Gravelle) Zachman. After graduating from Melrose High School, Gerry pursued a nursing degree at the College of St. Catherine, and returned to Melrose to work as an R.N. at the hospital. She married her childhood friend and sweetheart Don Meyer in 1949, after patiently awaiting his return from army duty during WWII. Gerry and Don welcomed six children who brought them lifelong joy. Gerry dedicated her life to raising her kids, which she did with unending love. She was a life-long member of St. Mary’s and deeply devoted to her faith.

Her family and friends knew Gerry as fun-loving and caring, commonly with a smile and playful smirk. She was a skilled seamstress and crocheter, often gifting her family and friends with cherished household and personal items. She loved to travel and dine out with Don and their friends, and especially loved spending time with family at their cabin on Big Birch Lake. She was an avid golfer, often traveling to courses throughout central MN. Gerry volunteered her time to many organizations, including a decades-long commitment to Meals on Wheels and St. Mary's where she loved to sing, and local organizations including the American Legion Auxiliary, Daughters of Isabella, and Christian Mothers. After raising her children Gerry continued to pursue her love of singing and dance in various groups in the Melrose area, including Forever Young.

Gerry is survived by her children Paul (Tessie) of Littleton, Colorado; Jeanne (Mark) Dilly of Carefree, Arizona; Jay (Jill) of Big Lake, Minnesota; Roseanne (Mark) Rolfes of Bloomington, Minnesota; Karl (Lorie) of Victor, Idaho; and Tom (Melissa) of Seattle, Washington. She was also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Meyer on March 8, 2024; parents, Dr. Albert and Eleanor Zachman; grandchild Dominic Meyer; sister Noelle Zachman; brothers Dr. John Zachman, Dr. James Zachman, and Dr. Tom Zachman; sisters-in-law JoAnn Zachman, MaryEllen Zachman, and Leslie Zachman. She is also survived by sister-in-law Kathy Zachman.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Parkview and Pine Haven staff who provided loving care to Gerry over the past several years.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 1 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Inurnment will be held in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., preceded by Rosary Prayer Service at 9:00, on Friday, May 1 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to CentraCare Hospice and Meals-on-Wheels of Stearns County/Catholic Charities are preferred.