Geraldine "Gerry" Birkeland

Geraldine "Gerry" Birkeland, age 84 of Cottage Grove, MN passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Gerry is survived by her daughter Cathi Rey; grandchildren Ashley (Allen), Shayne, Jaymee and McKayla; great grandchildren McKenzie and Maddox; sister-in-law Mary Lou Koehler as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband David "Swede" Birkeland Sr. ; son David "Sam" Birkeland Jr.; father Lester Koehler; mother Arleen Koehler; stepmother Mabel Koehler and brother Eugene "Geno" Koehler.

A Celebration of Life will be at 4 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S.; Cottage Grove, MN with a visitation from 3 - 4 PM. All are invited to wear Tie-Dye in honor of Gerry.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to go to MS Society - Upper Midwest.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in the service via livestream, you can watch the service by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click “PLAY" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having trouble with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.