Past board director, Gerri Lienke, dies at age 78

Retired Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric Board Director Gerri Lienke died of cancer Saturday, April 18, at the age of 78. 

Lienke was first elected to the board in 2004 and was re-elected seven times until her retirement in 2025. She was the first woman elected to Steele-Waseca’s board of directors. 

“I’d like to thank each and every one of you as you continued to vote for me over the past 21 years,” said Gerri to those in attendance for the co-op’s annual meeting in 2025. “It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.”

Gerri was born Oct. 30, 1947, in Waseca. She graduated from New Richland High School. She married her husband, Dave, on Dec. 10, 1966. They lived on a dairy/hobby farm outside of Waldorf where they raised their four children and shared 59 years of marriage. 

Her working career included 10 years at the Waldorf Municipal Liquor Store and 26 years at Crystal Valley Co-op. She also served 12 years as a board member for Freedom Township. 

Gerri’s joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing cards, visiting friends, and rural life. She also cherished her cat, Lincoln. 

Gerri is survived by her husband, Dave; four children: Kim (Jeff) Brinkley of Franklin, Tennessee; Shannon (Darnell) Alexander of St. Louis Park, Bridget (Erik) Wiebold of Lebanon, Tenn.; and Bill (Katie) Lienke of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; 10 grandchildren, sisters: Audrey Weiske of New Richland, and Sandra (Randy) Shaw of Worthington; and other relatives. 

The funeral service was Thursday, April 23, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Alma City. Burial followed at the Alma City Cemetery. #LIFE+