Gladys Woltjer

Gladys Woltjer, 95, of Elbow Lake, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at The Good Samaritan Society in Battle Lake, MN.

Gladys Helen was born February 28, 1928, to her parents Eppo and Freada Kruize in Grand Prairie Township, Minnesota. She started her schooling in southern Minnesota before moving north where she completed her education in Delaware Township. After she was done with school, she babysat for the Biss twins, Rick and Ron for years and took care of numerous other people.

On February 20, 1948, Gladys was united in marriage to William Woltjer, and to this union three daughters were born. Gladys was a homemaker as well as working various other jobs. She was very involved within her community; she was an active member of United Lutheran Church of Elbow Lake, the Legion Auxiliary of Elbow Lake, and the hospital Auxiliary. She also volunteered at the senior center.

Gladys enjoyed gardening and playing games. She also liked doing many different types of crafts, always with her tea beside her. She would often gift these crafts to her family and friends. Gladys was often baking and was especially known for her cookies, lefsa, and eierkoeken. Most importantly, Gladys loved her family.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband William; one infant daughter; grandson Paul; and siblings Alvina, Donald, Darlene, and Kathy. She is survived by her three daughters Cindy (Eugene), Linda (Cory), Julie (Jim); grandchildren Melissa (Dean), William (Becca), Danelle, Jennifer (Mike), Jamie, Luke (Ashley), Maria (Pat), Amber (Tony), Jacob (Kelsi), Gina (Andrew), Amy; 26 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister Diane (Harvey); sister-in-law Dorothy; and brother-in-law Eddie.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the United Lutheran Church, Elbow Lake.

Visitation will be from 5 - 7PM on Wednesday, September 13, at Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Elbow Lake, resuming one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment at Union Cemetery, Elbow Lake

Arrangements are with Erickson-Smith Funeral Home, Elbow Lake