Gladys A. Lerum, 89, of Crookston, Minnesota, died peacefully at her home with family at her side, Friday afternoon, April 4, 2008. Gladys was born on March 27, 1919, at Gonvick, Minnesota, the daughter of Nils and Gunda (Botterud) Nelson. Gladys was a generous and compassionate lady, with an open door policy. Many have enjoyed her culinary skills and in particular her famous apple pie and doughnuts, either in her kitchen over a cup of coffee or were the recipients of them in their homes. She was always available on the other end of the phone to listen to others. Gladys will leave her footprints and her presence in the hearts of many who mourn her loss. She was an avid gardener and she will return to us every spring as the first blossoms appear. Gladys will stay through the summer as the fragrance and beauty of the flowers fill our senses. Then in the fall when the many leaves fly from the trees she so painstakingly planted, Gladys will leave us again to rest for the winter and await the return of her favorite time; the next spring. Blessed be the memory of Gladys Lerum.

Loving family members include her husband and best friend of twenty-three years, Gale Lerum; her children, Chuck (Katie) Fontaine of Minot, ND, Linda (Billy) LaVigne of Red Lake Falls, MN, and Margaret (Ziggy) Blondeel of Straffordville, Ontario, Canada; her grandchildren, Steve, Jennifer, Shanna, Brandt and Trevor; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Olivia, Luke, Erik, Dyson and Paige; step-children, Gary (Renie) Lerum, Sandy (Pete) Kucera, Bonnie (Danny) Swenson and Greg Lerum and their families; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Gladys was preceded in death by her first husband, A.J. Fontaine (1978); her parents, Nils and Gunda; her precious grandson, Michael Swenson (2001); two brothers; and two sisters.

The memorial service for Gladys Lerum will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, with Rev. Mario Prada, presiding. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Monday, April 7, 2008 from 5-7:00 PM, with a 7:00 PM prayer, and also for an hour before the memorial service at the church. Inurnment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Crookston, MN. Memorials preferred to Hospice or the American Cancer Society.