Lucy Gemlo, 92
September 4, 1932 - July 31, 2025
Lucy Utter Gemlo (née Hitchcock), formerly of Burnsville, MN, departed this life on July 31, 2025, at the age of 92, surrounded by family and friends in Bridgewater, SD. Born September 4, 1932, her stated age often varied with the day, and she had been battling chronic pain and dementia in her final days prior to entering hospice care. She is survived by children Brett Thomas Gemlo (Elizabeth) and Jenny Kathleen Rasmussen (Donald), grandchildren Toby (Jennifer), Jesse, Sarah (Jenn), Cameron, Eva, and Jenny, great-grandchilden Alana and Charlie, and much loved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by former husband James Emery Gemlo, daughter Marnie Beth Ruliffson and grandson Andrew Thomas Stockwell, and all her siblings. She was the last of her generation. Lucy was a devoted and compassionate nurse, especially with her “preemies” in the neonatal nursey. She was an accomplished painter, needlepoint designer, calligrapher, and seamstress. Lucy was church organist at Church of the Advent in Farmington, MN for more than 30 years, and instilled a love of music in her children. She explored the world with her friend Flora until health issues curtailed her travel. In retirement, she was an avid golfer until just before entering assisted living, having been at one time the youngest in her foursome at age 83. Lucy had a deep love of animals and accumulated a variety of them while her children were growing up. She expressed her love of animals and people by volunteering at the Humane Society by walking dogs and bringing animals to nursing homes for the residents to pet. Lucy was a believer in Jesus Christ and trusted in Him for her life here on earth and her salvation eternity with Him in heaven. Funeral services will be held at Sun Prairie Baptist Church, Salem, SD, at 11 am on Friday, August 8, 2025 with visitation one hour prior. There will be a 10 AM graveside memorial service at Sunset Memorial Garden on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, followed by a reception at Delta Marriott, Minneapolis. Please direct memorials to your local Humane Society.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.