Shelia Gahler, age 78 of Hastings, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday evening, March 29, 2024.
Shelia Geraldine, the daughter of Thomas and Monica (Schaffer) Maher, was born on June 5, 1945, in St. Paul. Following her graduation from St. Joseph’s Academy with the class of 1963, Sheila continued her education at Mankato State College. On August 28, 1965, she was united in marriage to Michael “Mike” Gahler in St. Paul Park. Right after the wedding, they moved to Idaho, first to Ruppert and later to Post Falls. While there, she enjoyed using her talents as a cake decorator and volunteering wherever she could. As their family grew to four children, they moved back to Hastings where Sheila worked as a Paraprofessional for the Hastings School District prior to working in the Dakota County Civil Courts until her retirement after twenty-two years. Anyone that knew Sheila knew that she had a servant’s heart that was always willing to volunteer whenever she could. Whether it was through Sharing and Caring Hands, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Funeral Lunch Committee, or knitting hats for the homeless, she always focused on helping those in need. Sheila enjoyed making many meals for family and friends over the years as well. The biggest parts of her life was her faith, commitment to prayer and eucharistic adoration, and her loving service to the Lord.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Thomas Maher, Terry Maher, and Ann Williams; and by her two sons, John and Joe.
Sheila is survived by her loving husband, Mike; children, Dan (Adria) Gahler and Teresa (Leo) Julkowski; grandchildren, Jordan Gahler, Nathan Gahler, Ava Gahler, Natalie Gahler, Grace Julkowski, and Andrew Julkowski; great-grandchildren, Kane and Braxton Coulter; and by many other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Private family interment will be held at the parish cemetery at a later date.
Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9-11 a.m., and to a reception immediately following the service, all at church on Friday.
For guestbook and further information, please visit www.hastingsmnfuneral.com.
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
