Gayle Marie Stortz, 73, of Mabel, Minn., died unexpectedly at home, Friday February 3, 2023.
Gayle was born July 21, 1949, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Russell and Mabel (Grobe) Tripp. Growing up in a military family, Gayle attended schools across the United States and Germany. Upon their return to Minnesota, Gayle graduated from Northfield High School in 1967. Following graduation, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in social work from Mankato State University. Gayle was very passionate about her career in social work. She devoted 34 years to helping clients in Fillmore and Houston counties.
On May 27, 1978, she married Lawrence Stortz at the All Saints Catholic Church, in Lakeville, Minn. Together they raised three children. Gayle was passionate about helping others, and did so by volunteering her time at the local senior dining site and food shelf. In her free time, you could often find her reading a good book, visiting with friends, or spending time with her family. Gayle especially loved visits with her grandchildren and showering them with affection.
Gayle is survived by her three children: Rebecca (Matthew) Salmela of Maplewood, Minn., Dianna Stortz of Woodbury, Minn., and Eric Stortz of Flemington, N. J.; two grandchildren, Lauren and Levi Johnson; and an aunt, Janet Morris.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence, her parents, an infant daughter, Karyn; and her brother John.
Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023 ,at the St. Olaf Catholic Church in Mabel, with Father Edward McGrath officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Canton. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting the family with arrangements.