Kenneth Eugene Gerber, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025,  leaving a legacy of kindness, hard work, and cherished memories.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Dow Rummel Holiday-Peterson Chapel, 1321 W. Dow Rummel Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. A meal will follow at The Gathering Hall, Dow Rummel.

A graveside service and burial will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, July 14, 2025 at Graceland Cemetery, Albert Lea, MN. There will be a time for visiting with the family after the burial at 1:30 pm, Monday, July 14, 2025 at Westminster Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 308 Water Street, Albert Lea, MN.

Kenneth was born on November 11, 1936, in Wells, Minnesota, to John and Dorothy (Pflaum) Gerber. He attended Wells public schools and graduated from Wells High School in 1954. Following graduation, Ken pursued business studies at Mankato Commercial College, setting the foundation for his career.

Ken began his professional journey in banking with US Bank in Albert Lea, Minnesota. His dedication and work ethic led him to a fulfilling 25-year career with the bank, after which he enjoyed early retirement. Not one to remain idle, Ken continued his career as the controller at North Central Plastics in Ellendale, Minnesota, where he worked for another 15 years before officially retiring.

On September 7, 1968, Ken married Athelene Tesch in Wells, Minnesota. Together, they made their home in Albert Lea, where they welcomed their only daughter, Michelle. Ken and Athelene shared a love for travel, taking annual vacations and especially enjoying trips to mountainous regions, with Banff, Alberta, Canada holding a special place in Ken's heart.

Ken was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church for 45 years, a proud Kiwanis Club member for a decade, and an active participant in the US Bank retiree club. In retirement, he found joy in volunteering with Meals on the Go and pursuing woodworking.

Those who knew Ken will remember his beautiful smile, kind and welcoming spirit, and his gift for storytelling—especially tales from his youth on the family farm. Ken was known for his unwavering optimism and ability to bring light to any situation, always greeting others with a steady smile, even during difficult times.

Ken's memory will be cherished by: His loving wife, Athelene; Daughter, Michelle Stubkjaer (James), Sioux Falls, SD; Four grandchildren: Emma, Isabella, Sophie, and Jakob Stubkjaer, all of Sioux Falls, SD; Brother-in-law, Delmar Schnoor, Albert Lea, MN; Nephew, Richard Urbain, Dodge Center, MN; Niece, Janice Russell, Holman, WI; Nephew, Clinton Woodford, Albert Lea, MN; Niece, Donna Saltou (Randy), Glenville, MN as well as several cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Gerber; sister, Lorraine (Orville) Urbain; mother-in-law, Delilah Tesch; sisters-in-law, Mary Woodford and Marilyn Schnoor; nephew, Mike Schnoor; nephew, Danny Farris; and niece, Diane Schmidt.

Ken's life was a testament to the power of kindness, resilience, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.