Marla Jean Gmach, 69, died Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, at her home after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Marla was born Nov. 4, 1950 in Mankato to parents Floyd and Dorothy (Ziegler) Bedbury. She was raised in the Dayton area. On July 25, 1970, she married Gene Gmach. The couple settled in St. Michael and had three children, Jennifer, Matthew and Kristyn.

The couple has nine grandchildren, who were the light of her world.

She was a favorite at Dehn’s Country Manor, where she waitressed for decades. She also worked for 15 years as part of the kitchen staff in the St. Michael-Albertville School District. Above all, she was a homemaker, mother and grandmother who was renowned for her loving and compassionate and caring personality. She took great joy in caring for others and spending time with family and friends.

She enjoyed fishing and boating at the family cabin on Knife Lake, reading, keeping up with family and traveling with Gene and friends. Her greatest joy was spending time at the lake with grandchildren, family and friends.

She and Gene were faithful members of St. Michael Catholic Church.

She is survived by her husband: Gene Gmach, St. Michael; children: Jennifer (Michael) Schoemer, St. Michael; Matthew Gmach, Monticello; and Kristyn (Scott) Hasse, Monticello; her grandchildren: Kamden, Mattie and Ellie Schoemer, St. Michael; Quentin, Levi and Alexander Gmach, Monticello; and Olive, Stella and Lucas Hasse, Monticello. Marla is also survived by her siblings: Wayne (Mavis) Anderson, Mankato; Judy (John) Brady, McGregor; Charles “Butch” Bedbury, St. Francis; Carmen (Richard) Wood, Plymouth; and Paula Gehrke, Plymouth; also survived by many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Floyd and Dorothy; her sister: Cheryl Christian; and her Mini-Yorkie: Leo.

Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, at St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Michael, Minnesota. A visitation will be held at the funeral home Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Peterson Chapel, St. Michael, Minnesota. Further visitation will be at the church on Thursday, Nov. 21, one hour and a half prior to Mass. Interment will be at St. Michael Cemetery, St. Michael.

Memorials can be sent Chad Smith Ride for Life, 10271 Karston Ave. NE, Albertville, MN 55301. Please make checks payable to CSRFL and write “Marla Gmach” on the memo line.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. 763-497-5362. www.thepetersonchapel.com.