Ellie Gerst and Dan Roney are engaged.
Gerst, a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), has been recognized by Daily Planet founder Zack Benz as one of the key figures who encouraged him to pursue a career in journalism while she served as the Editor-in-Chief of The Bark, UMD’s student-run news organization. Now, she is making headlines of her own.
The couple connected through the dating app Bumble and shared their first in-person meeting at The Block. On April 11, 2026, Roney proposed in front of the Veiled Lady statue at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Gerst, 30, works as Project Coordinator at Ameriprise Financial. She is the daughter of Terri and Tim Dokken of Woodbury. Roney, 28, is a Human Resources Information Systems Analyst and Professional in Human Resources at Interstate Companies, Inc. A North Dakota State University graduate, he is the son of Shannon and Don Roney of New Brighton.
The couple has set a wedding date of Sept. 5, 2027, and plan to continue their life together in the Twin Cities Metropolis region.
