Dessie Mae Gasner, 88, of Owatonna, died peacefully Sunday, October 20, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 10, 1931 in Claremont the daughter of Mike and Isabelle (Verness) Allen. Dessie attended school in Claremont. She married Duane Gasner October 29, 1948 in Owatonna. The couple lived in Owatonna for a brief time before moving to Iowa. They moved back to Owatonna and in 1956 built the house where they still reside today. Dessie worked at Federated Insurance and later at Cashman Flowers. Dessie was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Associated Church where she volunteered in the nursery. She enjoyed socializing with her friends on the phone, spending time at their cabin on French Lake hosting family and friends, trips to Robin & Chuck's cabin in Danburry, WI and occasional visits to the casino. Dessie loved to read. Often you would find her walking to the Library to get her next book. She was an avid Minnesota sports fan cheering on the Vikings, Twins and Gophers as well as many other sports teams. She also loved watching her grandchildren participate in sports. Dessie also enjoyed a special relationship with her sisters-in-law, Carol, Eunice and Shirley. She is survived by her husband, Duane Gasner of Owatonna; sons, Randy (and Judy) Gasner of Owatonna, Rick (and Sue) Gasner of Medford; daughters, Rhonda (and John) Mengelkoch of Oak Grove, Robin (and Chuck) McKey of Owatonna; 13 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; brothers, Richard "Hookie" (and Bev) Allen of Mankato, Bob Allen of Texas and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant great grandson, 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 11am at Michaelson Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna.