NEW ULM–Erma L. Turtle, age 94, of New Ulm, and formerly of Gibbon, passed away with family by her side on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the New Ulm Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Gibbon, with Pastor Leonard Hummel officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of Gibbon 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

Erma is survived by her sons, Lyle (Jean) of Byron MN, Mark (special friend Terry) of Gibbon MN, Brad (Mary) of Gibbon MN, Kent (Margie) of Hendersonville TN; her daughter, Beth (Greg) Wendinger of New Ulm, MN; her 15 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren; and her 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her father-in-law, William J. Turtle; mother-in-law, Ruby (Mann) Turtle; her brothers, Wilfred Preuhs, Clarence Preuhs, Alvin Preuhs; and her sisters, Viola Lunak, and Doris Luthy; 6 sisters-in-law, and 6 brothers-in-law.

Erma Louise Preuhs was born at home on the family farm east of Le Sueur, in Tyrone Township, Le Sueur County to Carl and Anna (Horrisberger) Preuhs on May 6, 1930. She attended country school in District 35 and at age 9 moved into Le Sueur with her Mom and Dad graduating from Le Sueur High School in 1948. After high school she worked in the office at Green Giant for two years.

On April 12, 1950, Erma was united in marriage to William L. Turtle at Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church (now Zion United Church of Christ) in Le Sueur. The marriage was blessed with five children, Lyle, Mark, Brad, Kent and Beth. Bill and Erma farmed east of St. Peter for 10 years, then moved to a farm west of Gibbon in 1960. Erma was the bookkeeper, weather watcher and record keeper of Turtle Farms. They raised pigs and milked cows and grew corn and soybeans on the farm. She ran the corn dryer and the elevator in the fall, unloaded trucks, was parts runner when machinery broke down, unloaded bailed hay and straw and moved the guys to different fields as the harvest progressed in the fall. She was known for her ability to drive like a NASCAR driver when the fall harvest was in full swing as she helped move to new fields. Erma delivered meals to the fields during planting and harvest and welcomed many workers to her kitchen table over the years for a hot, homemade meal always with a dessert. She had a huge garden and her meals were healthy and delicious! Bill and Erma farmed together for 50 years until Bill passed away on August 21, 2000.

Erma enjoyed reading, tying quilts, antiques, traveling, gardening, coffee with friends and spending time with her large family. After Bill’s passing, she moved into Gibbon and enjoyed making quilts to give to the needy, Bible study and coffee meetings. She loved when family and friends visited and often had a batch of fresh cookies or bars prepared. In her younger years, she was known for her delicious desserts, especially pies.

Erma was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Gibbon and the WELCA.

She was a positive, hardworking, wonderful mother and friend and will be dearly missed and remembered.

Memorials can be sent to Augustana Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Mvfh.org

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