Geraldine (Geri) Anne Dotzler, age 90, of Lakeville, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026.

Geri grew up in Dennison, MN and was the devoted wife of 70 years to Henry "Hank" Dotzler, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, faith, and companionship. She is survived by her children, Stanley Dotzler (Victoria), Barbara Piper (Ed Treinen), Thomas Dotzler (Brenda), Mary Bolton (Chuck), and Daniel Dotzler (Jen), and her cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth Stone (Stephen), Lauren Piper (Robert Pieh), Christian Piper (Keeley Wardyn), Nicholas Soden, Jack Soden (Emeline Mora), Jakob Dotzler and great grandson, Sterling Stone.

Geri she was a gifted and accomplished musician, mastering the piano, organ, accordion, french horn and banjo. For 30 years, she faithfully played the organ at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Coates, Minnesota, sharing her love of music with the parish community. She found joy in gardening, the arts, and lovingly restoring dolls, earning her the affectionate title of a "doctor of dolls."

Gentle, kind, and quietly determined, Geri loved to sew, travel, read, and learn. Naturally curious and highly intelligent, she was always mastering something new, from knitting and painting to countless other arts. After raising five children, she pursued higher education at the University of Minnesota, earning both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees while working as Director of Financial Aid at Dakota County Vocational College, where she compassionately guided countless students as they pursued their educational goals. A devoted genealogist, Geri treasured family history and connections, and she was a faithful presence at her children's and grandchildren's concerts, plays, and sporting events. She was deeply loved, and her warmth, grace, and unwavering kindness will be remembered always.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, at Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 East County Road 42, Burnsville, MN 55306. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service.