James D. Gerths, 80, of Owatonna, died Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at Homestead Hospice House. He was born June 26, 1932 in Dodge Center, Minnesota the son of Earle and Flossie (Checkel) Gerths. Jim graduated from Dodge Center High School with the class of 1950, and then entered the United States Navy serving from 1951-1955. Jim then attended the University of Minnesota. Jim married Marla Harff June 22, 1957 in Hastings, and the couple made their home in Farmington for twenty eight years where Jim worked as an insurance agent for State Farm, later moving his business to Lakeville where they lived for ten years. After retiring the couple moved to Cohasset, MN near Grand Rapids where they lived for eleven years before moving to Owatonna five years ago. Jim was a member of Associated Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time with his grandchildren, and his sons, and being with family. Jim was a member of the Farmington Lions, Farmington School Board, Masons Corinthian Lodge, American Legion, Charter member of the Lakeville Rotary Club where he was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Jim was also involved with the Salvation Army in Grand Rapids. He is survived by his wife Marla Gerths of Owatonna, three sons Jon (and Karen) of Des Moines, Steven (and Jacqueline) of Apple Valley, and Fritz of Shoreview, and four grandchildren Maggie, David, Molly, and Allison. He is also survived by two brothers Everett 'Moe' Gerths of Chipley, Florida, and Greg (and Carrie) Gerths of Inver Grove Heights. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister in law Elizabeth Gerths. Visitation will be at White Funeral Home, Lakeville, MN (20134 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044) on Sunday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and at The Associated Church in Owatonna on Monday December 10, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held Monday December 10, 2012 at 11:00 AM at The Associated Church with The Reverend James D. Oberg officiating. Interment will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings. Memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic, Salvation Army, or Associated Church. Michaelson Funeral Home of Owatonna is handling arrangements. Visitation: 12/09/2012 16:00 12/09/2012 19:00 Service: White Funeral Home 20134 Kenwood Trail Lakeville, MN 55044 12/10/2012 11:00