Gladys Janet Christenson was born January 13, 1922, at rural Holloway to John and Louise (Erdman) Wente. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairfield Township.June 4, 1941, she was married to Willard O. Christenson at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairfield Township. Willard and Gladys were married 47 years and the proud parents of five daughters. Their lifetime occupation was farming.After they retired from farming they went on a long vacation to visit family in Washington. They like to go fishing with friends. Gladys was a farmers' wife, homemaker, and mother. She worked for Fingerhut in Benson, Carlson Dolls, and B & H Electronics.After retiring she took lessons and learned how to crochet. Over the years she made many beautiful afghans; giving them as gifts to her children and grandchildren. As the great-grandchildren arrived she had an afghan and their first teddy bear ready for them. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, playing cards, and lunches at the Senior Meal Site.Gladys died on Monday morning, July 11th, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. She had attained 89 years, 5 months, and 28 days of age.She is survived by four daughters: Evon Christenson of Appleton, Lois Christenson (friend, Alan Sullivan) of St. Paul, Ruth Johannsen (friend, Marvin Bengston) of Sunburg, and Lori Christenson of Appleton; three grandchildren: DeAnn (James) Timmermans, John (Valerie) Johannsen, and Jill (Chad) Roschild; nine great-grandchildren: Chayla Johannsen, Tori and Gunner Raths, Isaiah and Addlyn Roschild, David and Paige Johannsen, and Daniel and Benjamin Timmermans; sister, Lucille Paul; four sisters-in-law: Meranda Christenson, Doris Molden, Vivian Heinecke, and Joan Wente; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willard, on September 20, 1988; daughter, Janet, in 1978; two brothers: Gladwin in infancy and Johnny Wente; niece, Debra Buswell; and nephew, Gerald Molden.
