Rose Mary Gerlach, 84, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, at her home of natural causes.

Rose Mary Anderson was born to Harry A. and Louise M. (Smith) Anderson on Feb. 6, 1931, in Cudahy, Wisconsin. Following her 1949 graduation from Austin High School, she attended Austin Junior College. On April 24, 1954, Rose Mary married Frank Gerlach at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin. The couple had a son and three daughters, and were later divorced. Rose Mary attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, graduating in 1977. She went on to earn her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1981. In the early 1980’s she traveled to Australia through the Lutheran Church and worked for the Ministry of Health in Queensland, where she set up a pilot program for incest victims. This program is still in operation today. Rose Mary worked as a mental health professional at Zumbro Valley Mental Health Center and as director of outpatient services at St. Francis Medical Center in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. She also served as supervisor of mental health services for Kanabec County in Mora, Minnesota. Her other jobs included a position with Mower County Child Services and the Mower County Teen Court working as a mental health professional at Austin High School. Rose Mary was a very fun-loving person who loved to read, garden, fish and travel. Her favorite destinations were Europe and Canada. She treasured the time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was the center of her life.

Rose Mary is survived by her son David Gerlach; her daughters: Marianne Bremer, Lori Stadheim, and Susan (Bob) Bailey, all of Austin; also by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Louise Anderson; and one sister.

At Rose Mary’s request, her body will be donated to the Mayo Clinic Anatomical Bequest Program. Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorials can be directed to Hope Community Inc. in Minneapolis or recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.