Geraldine Mangelsen (Dehn), 87, of Polk County, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 24, 1939.

Geraldine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, but above all, she was a woman who loved her family deeply. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life and her marriage. She was a strong Christian woman who loved the Lord and carried that faith with her throughout her life. Her favorite Bible verse was John 3:16, which will be read at her funeral.

Geraldine met the love of her life, Herman “Andy” Mangelsen, when they were teenagers at the Indian Creek Dance Hall. They married on September 10, 1960, and began a life together that would span more than six decades. Together, they raised their two daughters, Kim Elizabeth and Renee Lynn, and built a family that would continue to grow through the generations.

Geraldine treasured her family and the time she shared with them. She is survived by her daughters, Kim (Derrick) and Renee; her grandchildren, Korrin (Nick), Andrew (Kassie), Joshua (Janessa), Krystal (Chase), Eli, Grace, Abby (Joe), Sierra (Hunter), Elsie, and Reece; and her great-grandchildren, Luca, Vivian, Londynn, Ayla, Landon, and Lucas.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herman “Andy” Mangelsen, who passed away in November 2024; her identical twin sister and lifelong best friend, Glorianne Katherine Dehn, who passed away in 1955 at just 15 years old after battling uterine cancer; as well as her parents and other loved ones who went before her.

The loss of Glorianne was one of the deepest heartbreaks of Geraldine’s young life. The twins shared a bond that went beyond being sisters—they were identical twins and best friends. Geraldine stayed by Glorianne’s side throughout her illness, even missing an entire school year to be with her. Although Glorianne’s life was far too short, the love between the sisters remained with Geraldine for all the years that followed. After 71 years apart, they are together again.

Geraldine’s life was one of faith, family, and love. She leaves behind not only the people who called her Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma, but generations who will carry a piece of her with them. Her love, her faith, and the memories she created with her family will continue to live on in those she leaves behind.

Our hearts are broken by her passing, but we find comfort in knowing that Geraldine is now at peace and has gone home to be with the Lord. We imagine her reunited with the people she loved who went before her, and finally together again with her beloved twin, Glorianne, and her husband, Andy.

God gained another angel on August 27, 2026, but her family gained a lifetime of love and memories that will never be lost.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Georgetown Lutheran Church (877 190th Ave, Balsam Lake, WI 54810) with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

Last Update: Aug 31, 2026 12:12 pm CDT