Marlene Margaret Herschman

Marlene Margaret Herschman, age 89 of Gibbon died peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye.
Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Church of St. Willibrord's in Gibbon. Father Brian Oestreich will celebrate the Mass. Burial will take place at a later date at Fort Ridgely Cemetery, Ridgely Township, Nicollet County.
Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Church of St. Willibrord's in Gibbon.
The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements at this time.
To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org
Marlene is survived by her sons Steven (Gail) Herschman and Alan Herschman; grandchildren Toni, Cassie, Joey, Zach, Kelli, and Adam; 20 great-grandchildren; sisters Colette Franta, Kay (Jim) Bratsch, Joleen (Bob) Hoffmann, Debbie (Brian) Meyer; brother Gary (Marilyn) Vait; sister-in-law Rosemary Vait; and many relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Stanley; daughter Kathy (Dave) Hillmann-Pavick; son-in-law Allan Hillmann; sister and brother-in-law Mary and Ron Dalueg; brothers Leroy, Francis, and John Vait; and brother-in-law Jerome Franta.
Born on January 27, 1935, at the home farm in Ridgely Township, Marlene was the third of ten children to William and Cecelia (Schneider) Vait. She grew up in a close-knit family, attending country school and St. Andrew's Catholic School before graduating from Fairfax High School in 1953.
On August 10, 1955, Marlene married Stanley Herschman at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Fairfax. Together, they created a loving home in Severance Township, where they raised their three children: two sons and a daughter. Marlene was devoted to her family. The couple farmed in Severance Township of Sibley County for many years.
Marlene was a longtime member of St. Willibrord's Catholic Church in Gibbon, where she actively participated in church activities and community service. She was also a dedicated member of a Multiple Sclerosis support group. She greatly enjoyed weekly gatherings with her Wednesday Card Clubs. She loved playing cards, particularly Sheephead and 500. Known for her quick wit and infectious laugh, Marlene brought joy and a sense of fun to gatherings. In her free time, Marlene found happiness in gardening and was passionate about making denim square quilts. Marlene was full of spunk and banter, she will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved her. Blessed be her memory.