Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2023
Gerald Alois Stang was born Sept. 3, 1938 in Marystown, Minnesota. His parents were Albert Mateias Stang (1907-1995) and Alvina Elizabeth Geis Stang (1909-2005). He was the third of four children, and Gerald’s siblings were Arlene Mae Kathryn, Corrie Clara, and in 1944, Albert Edmund Stang.
Gerald’s grandparents were Peter Stang (1863-1945) and Elizabeth Lizzie Mahowald Stang (1869-1947) and Jacob Geis (1881-1966) and Catherine Katie Hennen Geis (1878-1968). Gerald’s great grandparents were John Stang (1823-1895) and Elizabetha Jackals Stang (1829-1903); Nicholas Mahowald (1832-1917) and Anna Maria Rosen Mahowald (1832-1905); Private Adam Geiß Geis (1841-1933) and Barbara Brück Brick Geiß Geis (1845-1934); and Mathias Math Hennen (1833-1891) and Margaretha Mary Wolff Hennen (1841-1909).
On their farm near Marystown, Albert Stang was in his truck in the farm yard. Gerald, who was two years old, ran to his father, yelling out, “Goodbye!”
Unbeknown to Albert, his son, Gerald stumbled and fell forward into the path of the rear wheel.
Gerald fell beneath the rear wheel of the truck. He was killed instantly, according to an article in the Shakopee Argus-Tribune on Oct. 3, 1940 called “Marystown Child Fatally Injured.”
Not too far away was Gerald’s grandfather, Jacob Geis, who saw the fatal accident but was helpless to prevent it.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Father Ziskovski at St. Mary’s of the Purification Church in Marystown. The pallbearers, four cousins, were LeRoy Geis, Richard Geis, Richard Stang, and Robert Stang. Four flower girls were also cousins: Marie Geis, Anita Stang, Marie Stang, and Ruth Stang.
Gerald was buried at the St. Mary’s of the Purification Cemetery, which is located next to the church.
Among the relatives from the distance present at the funeral were Mr. And Mrs. Leo Stang, son Robert, and daughter Ruth of Belgrade; Joseph and Leo Spanier; Mr. Hennen of St. Martin; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hennen, Mrs. Louis Bolt, Paynesville; Mr. And Mrs. Alois Stang, St. Paul; and other relatives and friends from the Twin Cities and surrounding community.