Natalie Gerbich Spalj

Natalie Gerbich Spalj, age 91, of Deerwood died on May 3, 2020 in New Brighton.  Natalie was born on October 22, 1928 in Crosby.  She was the only daughter of Dorothy and Daniel Gerbich.

On December 1, 1951, Natalie married John R. Spalj.  Together they raised four children and operated in family business, Spalj Construction Company.  Natalie was a loving and caring mother and grandmother.  She enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, and spending time at the lake with her family and friends.  A longtime community volunteer, she served on the board of Central Lakes Community College and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Crosby and the National Catholic Society of Foresters St. Mary’s Court 854.

Natalie is survived by her children: Heather (Jack) Tooker, J.R. (Jane) Spalj, Heidi (Brian) Anderson and Luke (Leslie) Spalj; Eleven grandchildren, Victoria Tooker, Nicole, Chauntel, and Bianca Spalj, Anya Anderson and Olivia Schilling, Megan Hanssen, Joe Ritter and Natalie Ritter, Zachariah and Kalina Spalj and five great grandchildren.

Preceding Natalie in death are her parents; her husband John; and two brothers, Daniel and Michael Gerbich.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2020 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Crosby.  Burial will be at the Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Crosby.  Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.