Gerald Dean Mittag

Gerald Dean Mittag, 75, passed away after a short illness, Saturday, April 8, 2017, surrounded by his family at Mercy Hospital, Mason City, IA.  He leaves his children, Clark Mittag (Becky), Glenville, MN, Craig Mittag (Anita), Prescott, IA, Jay Mittag (Heidi) Aplington, IA, and Jill Strangstalien (Jeff) Westby, WI, 10 grandchildren, Adam Mittag (Ilene), Andrew Mittag (Danielle), Jonathan Mittag, Tucker Mittag, Tess Mittag, Chelsea Mittag, Francesca Mittag, Brady Strangstalien (Jamie Trembula), Holly Olerud (Alleck), Samuel Strangstalien, and 1 great-grandchild, Leo Strangstalien.

Born March 8, 1942, the son of Gaylen and Pearl (Virchow) Mittag, he was raised and a  lifelong resident of the Myrtle area.

After graduating from Glenville High School in May 1960, Gerald married Arlyce Schilling on September 24.  They resided in rural Myrtle where together they raised their 4 children.  They ended their marriage in 1989. He was remarried to Judy Draayer the following year, and they were married for 21 years.  Gerald spent his early years farming with his father and also raising livestock, working at the Northwood Sale Barn and hauling cattle.  After farming, he worked for Speltz Elevator, Myrtle and McFarland Trucking.  

Gerald had a passion for livestock and loved traveling to fairs and livestock shows to watch his children and grandchildren.  He also enjoyed meeting new friends, telling jokes, going to auctions, spending time with his family, and wintering in Fort Myers, FL.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchild, sisters Darlene Hauge (LaVerne), Marilyn            Anderson, brother Ray Mittag (Lydia), Aunt Fern Virchow, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.   Gerald is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Paul A. Schmidt and Larry Williamson.

A private family grave side service will be held at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery, rural Myrtle, MN.  An open house in remembrance of Gerald will be held Sunday, April 23, from 2-5 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Myrtle, MN.  .  Online condolences are welcome at: www.bayviewfuneral.com.