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Gladys Johnsen • 1911 - 2009 Gladys Orinda Johnsen, 98, Kenmare, ND, died Saturday, July 11, 2009, in the Kenmare Community Hospital. Gladys Orinda Donnelly was born April 15, 1911, to her proud parents, John and Jenny (Gray) Donnelly, in Sauk Prairie Township, rural Kenmare, ND. She attended grade school with her older sister, Kathryn at a country school, and graduated from Kenmare High School in 1928. She then attended Minot Normal School (now Minot State University) and obtained a certificate to teach grades 1-8. After three years of teaching, she married Guy H. Johnsen of rural Kenmare on June 30, 1932. They made their home on Guy's father, J.C. Johnsen's homestead southeast of Kenmare. Together they raised their three children, Donald, Joan and Lyle, and ran a successful farming operation. Guy passed away in February of 1986. Gladys moved to Kenmare permanently in 1987, and lived in her newly built home designed by her son-in-law, Ellis Christianson. From there, she moved to the assisted living wing of the Kenmare Baptist Home and later moved to the skilled nursing unit at the Kenmare Community Hospital. Gladys was a devoted farm wife and a loving mother. She cooked for large threshing crews and lots of family and friends. She loved entertaining guests and family in her home. Everyone loved her thoughtfulness and caring. Guy and Gladys loved to play cards, dance, and travel after Guy retired from farming. Gladys continued to make many bus trips after Guy's passing. She was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church in Kenmare, for which she was the church treasurer for many years, and willingly served with the United Methodist Women. She was also active in the Kenmare birthday club. Her loving family includes: sons, Donald (Leanore) Johnsen, Thief River Falls, MN, and Lyle (Sue) Johnsen, Sioux Falls, SD; son-in-law, Ellis Christianson, Kenmare, ND; grandchildren, Greg Christianson, Kenmare, Brenda (Terry) Marr, Wichita, KS, Marna (Brian) Kelly, Crookston, MN, Rebekah (Steve) Ness, Moorhead, MN, Patricia (Brandon) Dexter, St. Louis Park, MN, Brenda Romanello, Denver, CO, Daniel (Val) Johnsen, Pacific, WA, Carrie (Mike) Rubin, Hudson, OH, and Jo'Rinda Johnsen, Keene, NH, and step grandsons, Jon (Kristy) Rygg, Converse, TX, and Jason (Beth) Rygg, Sioux Falls, SD; 18 great grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, John and Jenny Donnelly; husband, Guy; daughter, Joan Christianson; and sister, Kathryn Nelson. Funeral: Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at
United Methodist Church, Kenmare. Officiant: Pastor Connie Southham Music Honorary Bearers: Glady's family and friends Active Bearers: Jim Nelson, Otto Folkers, Paul Wirtz,
Jerry Overton, Curt Gissel, Greg Christianson Following the graveside service, please join the family for a time of fellowship and lunch in the lower level of the church. Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts
of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated
during this difficult time. May God bless the memory of Gladys. |
Gladys
Johnsen