Dr. Ralph Leonard Gerbig

Dr. Ralph Gerbig, of Dawson, died peacefully Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Johnson Memorial Hospital at the age of 73, following a courageous journey with ALS.

Memorial services will be held Friday, November 8, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Dawson Covenant Church in rural Dawson.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Dawson Covenant Church with a prayer service at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

The memorial service will be live streamed on the churches Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/dawsoncovenantchurch

Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Dawson-Boyd High School Robotics Club, Dawson-Boyd High School Music Department, or the Dawson-Boyd Arts Association.

Arrangements are with Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson. www.andersontebeest.com

Dr. Ralph Leonard Gerbig was born on March 3, 1951, in Faribault, MN, to Howard and Norma (Kelly) Gerbig. As a youth, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and enjoyed photography, choir, and band. He graduated from Faribault High School in 1969. After high school, Ralph attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris, obtaining a degree in biology in 1973. He then attended University of Minnesota Medical School, first in Duluth (1973-1975) and then Minneapolis (1975-1977). Dr. Gerbig completed his residency at Hennepin County Medical Center from 1977 to 1980 and joined Dr. Maus and his medical practice in Dawson, MN, in 1980. He spent 42 years in primary family practice, providing compassionate care to families in Dawson and the surrounding areas from 1980 to 2022. His medical service to the community also included working with hospice, serving as the Lac qui Parle County coroner and participating in several area healthcare committees and the Minnesota Rural Healthcare Coop Committee.

Ralph married Suzanne Rose on November 22, 1975, in St. Cloud, MN. They made their home in Dawson, where they raised their three children: Ben, Alex, and Kelly. Ralph was very proud of his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and was a dedicated supporter of their many school, music and sports activities. A true lover of the outdoors, Ralph enjoyed biking, hiking, gardening, photography and any adventure that connected him with nature. His passion for the outdoors and his family came together in memorable hiking trips and countless road trips across the country, where they visited many national parks and spent time together as family. One particularly memorable adventure was a summer family trip to Alaska. He was a talented and passionate musician, playing trombone with Dr. G’s Bowtie Brass as well as many other area bands and orchestras. He viewed himself as a quiet Christian and was an engaged member of the Dawson Covenant Church, where he helped with the construction of the current building. He sang in the choir and often shared special music on the trombone.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Ben (Melanie) Gerbig of Dawson, Alex (AnaLisa) Gerbig of Edmonds, WA and Kelly (Mike) Bohrer of Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Andrew, Asher, Annabel, Kendall and Kaden; step-grandchildren, Tavon (Kiara) Minick, Zahvana Minick and Aydyn Anderson; brother, Bruce (Karen) Gerbig of Lauderdale, MN; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Norma.