Gerald Willaert

Gerald R. Willaert, age 47 of Le Sueur, died on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at his home surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Friday, February 3, 2012 at the Church of St. Peter in St. Peter with Fr. Phil Schotzko and Rev. Jacek Soroka officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, St. Peter. Visitation will be from 4:00 " 7:30 pm on Thursday at the church with a prayer service at 7:30. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. St. Peter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gerald Robert was born on November 6, 1964 in Mankato to Leon and Dorothy (Pietsch) Willaert. He attended St. Peter High School, where he was active in wrestling, FFA and 4H; graduating in 1983. Before his senior year, he joined the MN National Guard, retiring as a Staff Sergeant after 22 years. He also attended VoTech for welding. Gerald was united in marriage to Mary Mirabile on August 3, 1991 at the Church of St. Peter. They made their home on the Windy Sweep Farm in rural Le Sueur, raising their family. The farm was Gerald's "Heaven on Earth". He also worked at Gustavus Adolphus College in the Physical Plant. He was a member of the Cleveland American Legion and enjoyed the outdoors, bailing hay, cutting firewood, hunting, fishing, gardening, and making salsa. He mostly enjoyed bringing friends and family together.

Grateful for having shared in his life are: his wife Mary; children: Joseph, Joshua and Xe'Anna; parents: Leon and Dorothy; siblings: Leo (Wendy), Linda (Al) Mork, Lori Haley, Dean (LeeAnn), Julie (Jay) Juell, Gloria (Brad) Knaus, Danny, Dale, Pat (Nicole), and Gary (Cara); Mary's family: parents: Joseph and Geraldine Mirabile; siblings: Teresa (Bernie) Dettmer, Rocco (Sandra) Mirabile, Tina (Scott) Rye, Jamie Mirabile (Richard) and Jolene Mirabile; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Willaert, niece Ellie Willaert.