Gerald V. Lambert

Gerald Vincent Lambert, age 91, of Faribault, MN, passed away from cancer on September 24, 2026, in Faribault with his family by his side.

Gerry was born July 15, 1935, the youngest child of Bartholomew and Stella (Caron) Lambert. His family moved frequently, and he grew up mainly in Rice County, with a few years in Scranton, North Dakota. After graduating with Faribault High School’s Class of 1953, he joined the U.S. Army. When his service ended, he returned to Rice County and worked at various jobs before marrying Elaine Brown in 1963. They briefly moved to St. Paul, where Gerry attended the Minnesota School of Barbering. He later owned a barbershop in downtown Faribault for 50 years. Gerry and Elaine raised their children, Michael and Julie, on a small farm west of town where he enjoyed working the fields and caring for his cows and horses. For many years, Gerry served with the Rice County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, often riding as the flag bearer in area parades.

After his divorce from Elaine, Gerry later married Mary Ann Prieve. They spent more than 20 years together on their farm in Walcott Township. Following Mary Ann’s death from cancer in 1999, Gerry shared many years with longtime partner, Joan Bathchelder, until her death in 2020.

Gerry enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, watching old Westerns, and tinkering with his Ford tractors. He was a natural storyteller and had an uncanny memory for old Rice County family histories. Gerry loved humor and often engaged in practical jokes with long-time friends. Though tested many times, he remained steadfast in his faith, which comforted him in his final days.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Scott Cooper) and Julie Lambert; stepchildren, Greg (Tracy) Prieve and Lynn Barry; nine grandchildren, Connor, Mason, Taylor, and Payton Prieve, Dillan and Brooke Prieve, Brenna and Austin Mullenmeister, and Megan Barry; one great-grandson, Oliver; and many nieces and nephews. Gerry ‘built’ family, and his immediate family tree is made of dots and dashes, all filled with love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Bartholomew and Stella (Caron) Lambert; an infant sister; sisters, Corrine (Lewis) Dwyer, Eileen (Emil) Venaro, Hazel (Ernie) Caron, and Mae (Dan) Freeman; brothers, Edward “Bud” Lambert and Raymond (Helen) Lambert; wife, Mary Ann (Petersen Prieve) Lambert; special friend, Joan (Kitzman) Batchelder; and stepson, Gary Prieve.

The family thanks the many friends and relatives who came to say goodbye to Gerry in his final days, as well as the exceptional caregivers at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, The Emeralds, and Brighton Hospice.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Avenue N., Faribault, with Rev. Henry Doyle, officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Following the service a reception will be held, then burial at Calvary Cemetery in Faribault.