Melissa Gahler

Melissa (Litke) Gahler, age 32, of rural Pierz, MN, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2011, at her home following a short, but courageous fight against Cholangiocarcinoma a rare form of cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding, MN, with Rev. David Maciej officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. Friday, June 17, 2011 at Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz, MN with a parish prayer service at 7:00 P.M. Visitation continues at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the service. Melissa was born on December 11, 1978 to her parents Ron & Dede Litke. She grew up in the country north of Pierz. Melissa attended school in Pierz graduating in 1997 from Pierz Healy High School. She attended Central Lakes College in Brainerd and earned an Associate Degree in Child Care. Melissa was united in marriage to Chet Gahler on June 28, 2003 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding, MN. Melissa's working career included employment at Playhouse Child Care, Trinity Lutheran Child Care and TCC Headstart in Brainerd, and as a paraprofessional in the Crosby School District. However, her most important job was being a stay-at-home mom. Her favorite pastime was watching and attending baseball, especially amateur baseball. Her pride and joy was watching her own son participate in baseball. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Melissa was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding, MN. Left to cherish her memory are her husband and children, Chet, Mason and Maya Gahler of Pierz, MN; parents, Ron & Dede Litke of Pierz, MN; mother and father-in-law, Sheryl (Joe) Williams of Elysian, MN and Lyle (Becky) Gahler of Janesville, MN; five brothers and sisters-in-law and many relatives and close friends. Melissa was preceded in death by her grandparents, Leo & Lillian "Lucky" Swaser and Leo & Bertha Litke.