Gertz teaches elementary music, orchestra and band at Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) Public Schools in Gibbon, where she has worked since August 2021. She is also an experienced professional musician having played with multiple bands; including The Leather Souls and Bee Balm Fields.

Earlier this year, Gertz underwent emergency surgery at Abbott Northwestern Hospital following a diagnosis of colon cancer. Additional testing revealed Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition associated with increased cancer risk. Further tumors and cysts were identified, requiring additional surgeries and ongoing medical monitoring.

The event featured live music, food by free-will donation and a silent auction. Proceeds will assist with medical expenses related to Gertz’s diagnosis and treatment. The benefit was organized by Jason Brown, who plays guitar with Gertz in The Leather Souls. Brown said attendance met and exceeded expectations.

“This fundraiser was designed to help cover medical expenses not met by insurance,” Brown said. “The medical bills add up quickly, and insurance doesn’t cover everything.”

Lehi Gertz (left) performs on stage with Bee Balm Fields during Sunday’s benefit at The Grand Center for Arts & Culture.  

Because of Gertz’s background as a musician, the benefit included musical performances from fellow musicians and bands. Ben Scruggs opened the event with a solo acoustic set. Bee Balm Fields followed, joined by Scruggs on bass, Peter Klug on guitar and Laura Karels on vocals. The Robins, Abby and Kristoffer Robin of Gibbon, closed the afternoon with original folk and Americana music.

Gertz joined musicians on stage for a limited number of songs during the afternoon but did not perform a full set.

Laura Karels, a member of Bee Balm Fields, praised Gertz’s artistry.

“We love her. She’s an original,” Karels said. “Yeah, yeah, she used to play in our band.”  

The silent auction featured donated items from individuals, businesses and artisans. Items included a snow thrower, custom metal artwork from Booth Welding and Fabricating, handmade knives and a restored circa-1925 German trade violin donated by Ken Rakowski.

Lehi Gertz plays her violin at The Grand Center for Arts & Culture. The event featured live music, a silent auction, and food by donation to support Gertz’s medical expenses.

“It’s a quality instrument after restoration,” Rakowski said.

Rakowski, who operates Gertzky Bees with Gertz near Klossner and along the Cottonwood River, also contributed handmade knives and several historical muzzle-loading firearms from his collection. Products from Gertzky Bees include honey, shave soaps, pine tar soaps, lip balms and healing salves packaged in locally made containers.

Bidding closed at 4:30 p.m. Brown said donors would be contacted regarding unsold items and that an additional online auction may be considered.

Attendance included families and individuals from New Ulm and surrounding communities. Maggie and Doug Schwab said Gertz previously performed at their daughter’s wedding.

“I’ve known her for years, and Lehi even played at our daughter’s wedding dance,” Maggie Schwab said. “I’d heard she would be performing, and it was going to be great entertainment, so why not.” 

Guests gather at The Grand Center for Arts & Culture during Sunday’s benefit for Lehi Gertz, enjoying food, music and conversation in support of the local musician and teach

Gertz attended the event throughout the day and spoke with guests between musical sets. She was overjoyed with the support she received.

“You know, sometimes I wonder what a person might have done to deserve all this,” she said. “But, you know, there are really good people in this world and, you know, it just touches me to the bottom of my heart. I think it makes me choke up just a little bit, even thinking about it. But, you know, I am happy to be alive. I’m happy to have this opportunity to extend life and kick cancer.”

Organizers did not release a final fundraising total at press time. Donations are still being accepted on her GoFundMe page: “Standing with Lehi in Her Battle Against Cancer.”