Gladys M. Aldrich

Although her given name was Gladys Magdalene, when asked, she always claimed her name was Gladys Magnolia! She was born the second of three children to Arthur (Buster) and Edna Zitzmann on February 11, 1930, in Morristown, MN. Raised on a farm, she knew how to work hard...and continued to do so her entire life! There were always stories from long ago on the farm...her brothers making her try to jump from ice block to ice block trying to get to school by way of the turbulent winter stream. It didn't go so well for one drenched and frozen little girl! Or there was the unfortunate incident with her pet duckling who met a sad end with the slamming of the outhouse door. The stories were always exciting, and still color our lives all these years later! Gladys graduated high school in 1947. Her grandfather had been both her pastor and her parochial school teacher growing up, so she came from a family with deep-held religious beliefs. Gladys and Harley were married August 27, 1949. Harley was off to serve in Korea, so Gladys and Brenda held down the homefront, along with her mother-in-law. When Harley returned from the war, they soon took up residence in Albert Lea, MN. Harley's mom lived with them for 13 years...yes, 13! She was a lovely woman, but it was certainly a testament to Gladys' kind heart, because as a young wife and mother, it wasn't always easy to share life with her mother-in-law! Zona came three years after Brenda, and Cari tagged along 9 years later! Gladys worked for a time at the credit bureau, but would never follow her boss's direction to yell at people to shame them into paying their bills! She was more interested in being kind than following his rough techniques! She promptly quit. She had been walking miles each day from work to go home and make lunch for the girls and then walked back to work to finish up the day. She could now apply her full attention to being a fabulous home-maker. She sewed all the clothes for herself and the 3 girls. She was meticulous with every detail...sometimes too much so, as she wanted to make sure all stripes and plaids matched perfectly! Although Cari preferred they didn't match, claiming the plaids never matched in store-bought clothes ....and she didn't want mom's fine craftsmanship to give it away that the clothes were home-made! Through the years Gladys made hundreds of outfits, many bridesmaid dresses, 2 wedding dresses, scores of costumes for school plays, and was called upon many times for emergency alterations for many frantic people! Mom took care of everyone and always saved the day! Years later Kelsey volunteered her grandma to help with a school quilting project: not altogether happy about being volunteered, she later credited this as the best happy accident ever, as she developed a love and passion for quilting that lasted the rest of her life. Soon there was no time for sewing clothes...there were quilts to be made! One of her happiest, and most favorite associations, was to be part of the church's quilting group. Along with Zona, they helped make hundreds of quilts that were donated through the years, and represented work that truly gave her joy and fulfilment. Sometimes there were other sewing projects, like children's bathrobes, or the over 40 stuffed teddy bears that she made for family and friends. Gladys took up oil painting for a time, and did numerous hand-stitched projects. Her wallpapering was perfect, and any time any of the family had a room to paint, she was ready for action! If she couldn't contribute to the project at hand, she would make and deliver a meal for the workers! She could upholster furniture, and loved making cards. She also helped Harley with his woodworking projects. She always had a vibrant garden, and loved to plant flowers. As a member of a homemakers club she saw many opportunities to extend hospitality to others. Earlier years saw her opening her home to visiting missionaries with wonderful home-cooked meal! Her German chocolate cakes were always in high demand for any church function or funeral. Gladys never wanted anyone to travel alone, so she was always ready to jump in the car for a road trip. She would say, "I've got my hat on" meaning she was ready to go! Through the years, there were moves to New Brighton; Fargo, ND; Clear Lake, IA; and then to Brooklyn Center. Harley and Gladys had the most beautiful relationship that modeled love and mutual respect. Harley always introduced her as "my better three-fourths!" Their children grew up in a home that never saw Harley and Gladys argue. Just days before his death, Harley told Brenda the reason they never saw them fight or argue was because there was nothing more important in the world than her to him and him to her! After his passing at age 64, people would ask Gladys if she would consider dating. "Absolutely not! I've already had the best....why would I settle for anything less?!?" She loved Harley with her whole heart for her whole life. A couple weeks after Harley passed away, she began caring for a neighbor suffering with ALS while his wife went to work. That sums up Gladys' heart for serving and helping others - even in the midst of her own pain and loss, she wanted to help someone else! She always stayed busy and engaged in life. She cared for her own mom, both at home and then in the nursing home. Gladys transported huge meals to the nursing home in the back of her station wagon to have parties for all holidays for grandma and all the relatives to enjoy a home-cooked meal together! She never considered it an inconvenience...it's just what she did! There were many things that were "just what you do"...like make your bed first thing every day! No exceptions! Always stand in the window and wave good-bye when anyone leaves home! Popcorn night was every Sunday (for over 60 years!) If mom was cold...you must be too! And, every Monday morning was letter writing day! Long before social media, she knew how to stay connected, and everyone loved receiving her hand-written letters! There was absolutely no sewing on a Sunday. She would say "what you sew on Sunday, you have to rip out on Monday!" And that was that! Gladys was a second mom to Zona's girls, Bre and Kelsey, with trips to and from school and days filled with adventures to the park and so many books to read together! Grandma's house was their second home. Years later, Zona moved in with Gladys, to oversee her needs and they became quite the dynamic duo working on crafts, and quilts. And of course, if the car was leaving the driveway, mom was ready to go! Sometimes they were like a little old married couple because Gladys always had something for Zona to work on, or would volunteer her for some project or another! They made a great team! Gladys' children grew up knowing the importance of going to church, and respect for God. Brenda remembers her mom telling of a time when she was a baby. It was Sunday and time for church, but dad was going to stay home and greet his brother returning from the service. Mom was not in favor of his choice, and went on without him. After church she went to her parent's house for Sunday dinner. But without a phone connection, Harley didn't know where his girls were, and was quite concerned when they didn't arrive home until late in the day. She didn't share the details of the resulting conversation, but smiled and said, "He never missed church again!" If you called Gladys in the morning, you would likely catch her having her devotions. Each day started in God's Word and in prayer. She read her Bible through almost 29 times! She didn't speak a lot about her faith - it was private, yet very deep and real to her. She would frequently recite the verse, "This is the day that the Lord has made....we will rejoice and be glad in it!" After Zona passed, Gladys was able to stay in her home with Cari, Bre and Kelsey bringing in meals every day and providing company and support as Gladys became less and less able to venture out of the home. Gladys was content to be surrounded by family, and she always enjoyed a good meal... it sure didn't hurt if that meal was accompanied by some sort of treat...chocolate, of course! Even as her health continued to decline over the last couple of years, Gladys never gave up... she remained so sweet, yet feisty enough to get herself in some trouble, and she was always a model of kindness, love, and compassion...with such a joy and abundance of love for her family and her enduring love for God. "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her! Many daughters have done virtuously, BUT THOU EXCELLEST THEM ALL, MOM." We love you and we'll see you again soon! Gladys is proceeded in death by: her parents, Arthur and Edna; her brother, Ronald; her beloved husband, Harley, and her dear daughter, Zona; and her son-in-law Ronnie. Gladys is survived by: her eldest daughter, Brenda - Brenda's daughter Jen, husband Ryan, and son Caleb; and son Justin, wife Rachael and son Noah. Youngest daughter, Cari and her husband Damon. And, Zona's children: Bre, husband Brian, and their children Camille, Henry and Eddie; and Kelsey, husband Eric, and their sons, Culler and Oliver.

Tributes

Gladys M. Aldrich

February 11, 1930 - June 10, 2021

Tributes

Gladys M. Aldrich

February 11, 1930 - June 10, 2021

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