Sylvia Ann (Kaasa) Jerdee, 78, of Red Wing, Minn., died peacefully on Jan. 21, 2020, at her home at Deer Crest. She was born on April 18, 1941, in Alpine, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents, Rolf Kaasa ‘33 and Marjorie Kaasa (née Smith), and by her husband of 52 years, Joseph C. Jerdee ‘49. Sylvia will be dearly missed by her sons Jonathan Jerdee ‘87 of Falls Church, Va., Peter (Niena) Jerdee of Ridgewood, N.J. and Theodore (Valerie) Jerdee of Benicia, Calif.; her sister Mary (Kaasa) Ulland ’65 (Dick Ulland ’64); grandchildren Max, Olivia, Alexandra, Jacob, Sophia and Vivienne; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.

Sylvia graduated from Lake City High School in Lake City, Minn., in 1959 and Luther College in 1963, and later earned a Master of Education from Boston University in 1978. Married Joseph Jerdee ‘49 in Red Wing (United Lutheran Church) June 15, 1963. Taught German at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, S.D., in 1963-64. Taught GED classes at U.S. Army education centers in Germany from 1974 to 1978. Taught German, Social Studies Skills and Psychology at Frankfurt American High School in Frankfurt, Germany, from 1978 to 1985 and then served as guidance counselor there until 1991. Family lived together in Germany and traveled throughout Europe for nearly 20 years. Returned to Minnesota with Joe in 1991 and soon embarked on a second career as a minister in the Lutheran Church (ELCA). Graduated with a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul and was ordained in 1995. Led congregations in Orr and Fertile, Minn. Since retirement in 2005, lived in Lake City and Red Wing near her sister Mary and many cousins and friends, and enjoyed lake home near Brainerd. Sylvia was a loving, dedicated, strong, caring and considerate wife, mother, teacher and minister. She was a lover of learning, language, reading, and conversation, and a passionate supporter of the church and of many progressive social causes.

Funeral was Feb. 1, 2020, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 320 West Avenue, Red Wing, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial was at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 2250 St. Anthony Blvd, Minneapolis. Memorials are suggested to Lutheran World Relief (800-597-5972), Heartland Hospice in Rochester (507-292-1170) or Bread for the World (800-822-7323). Online condolences may be sent to www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com