1923
Louis
2015
Louis Gelen
February 13, 1923 — January 28, 2015
Louis O. "Louie" Gelen, age 91, of Crookston, MN, died late Wednesday evening, January 28, 2015, at the University of Minnesota-Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Louie was born at Aure, MN, near Bemidji, on February 13, 1923, the son of Olaf and Leora Gelen. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, grew up on the family farm, and attended country school through the 9th grade. He worked with his father for several years before enlisting in the US Army on April 20, 1943. Louie served, during WWII, with the 517th Parachute Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division, and saw action in Rome-Arno, southern France, Ardennes, the Rhineland, and central Europe. As a paratrooper his most important jump was made behind enemy lines in the battle of Normandy. In recognition of his service to his country, a grateful nation awarded him the American Theater Service Medal, Bronze Arrowhead, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Following his honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant, Louie returned home and attended Bemidji State College. From 1947-1951 he served as Bemidji City Assessor, and on October 31, 1948 was united in marriage to Vera A. Lundmark at the First Lutheran Church in Bemidji. Vera's wedding dress was made from the material used in Louie's parachute. At her urging Louie made application to the Minnesota State Patrol School. After successful completion of the program he was hired as a State Highway Patrolman in 1952. During these years the couple was blessed with the adoption of their children, Lori and David. The Gelens settled in Crookston and Louie served with distinction during his 30-year career with the State Patrol, retiring with the rank of Sergeant in 1982. He enjoyed the respect and esteem of colleagues throughout law enforcement, and was known not only for his professionalism and fairness, but as someone who would always "have your back."
Louie's faith was very important to him, and he and Vera were devoted members of the Trinity Lutheran Church for over 60 years. He was a twenty-five year member of the Crookston Volunteer Fire Department, and generously gave of his time to the Tri-Valley Medical Assistance Program for the elderly, as well as, volunteering with the IRS doing tax preparation for the elderly and those who qualified as low-income. Louie was a 66-year member of Crookston's American Legion Post #20, and held lifetime membership in VFW Post #1902. In April, 2009, Louie, along with several WWII veterans from the area, participated in the Northern Valley Honor Flight. This was a two-day trip to Washington, DC, where visits were made to the World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other sites; and the opportunity to visit with dignitaries who shared with them the common bond of military service. The trip was an emotional and memorable experience for Louie and his companions, honoring their sacrifice and patriotism for a country loved so much by them all. For many years Louie was a welcoming figure in the pro-shop at the Minakwa Country Club, and when not working could often be seen on the golf course getting in a round with his regular foursome. He was fortunate enough in his lifetime to record 2 holes-in-one. In younger years, he also enjoyed bowling in one of the local leagues. Playing cards was second nature to Louie and he regularly enjoyed meeting his buddies for coffee at the Legion and getting in a 'few hands.' Louie was devoted to Vera, and seeing them together defined the term soul-mates. For many years the couple spent winters in Arizona, enjoying time with their son and daughter-in-law, David and Lucy, and grandson, Jonathan. Very sadly, Vera passed away last October 22nd. Louie deeply mourned her loss and looked forward to the time when they would be reunited. His loving family will forever remember him for his kind and gentle nature, and the smile that was always present. Family members include his daughter, Lori Gelen of Bemidji, MN; son and daughter-in-law, David and Lucy Gelen, and their son, Jonathan, of Chandler, AZ; sister-in-law, Florence Lundmark, of Bemidji; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to Vera, his beloved wife of 66 years, Louie was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Leora; and 3 sisters, Florence Evje, Hazel Jallen, and Olga Gelen, who died as a teen-ager. May God bless the memory of Louie Gelen. The funeral service for Louis O. Gelen will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN, with The Rev. Greg Isaacson, officiating. Visitation will be at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Military Honors will be provided by the Crookston Veterans Council and interment will be at Crookston's Oakdale Cemetery in the spring. Memorials may be given in Louie's name to the Trinity Lutheran Church. Online registry:
www.stenshoelhouske.com
Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Louie's faith was very important to him, and he and Vera were devoted members of the Trinity Lutheran Church for over 60 years. He was a twenty-five year member of the Crookston Volunteer Fire Department, and generously gave of his time to the Tri-Valley Medical Assistance Program for the elderly, as well as, volunteering with the IRS doing tax preparation for the elderly and those who qualified as low-income. Louie was a 66-year member of Crookston's American Legion Post #20, and held lifetime membership in VFW Post #1902. In April, 2009, Louie, along with several WWII veterans from the area, participated in the Northern Valley Honor Flight. This was a two-day trip to Washington, DC, where visits were made to the World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other sites; and the opportunity to visit with dignitaries who shared with them the common bond of military service. The trip was an emotional and memorable experience for Louie and his companions, honoring their sacrifice and patriotism for a country loved so much by them all. For many years Louie was a welcoming figure in the pro-shop at the Minakwa Country Club, and when not working could often be seen on the golf course getting in a round with his regular foursome. He was fortunate enough in his lifetime to record 2 holes-in-one. In younger years, he also enjoyed bowling in one of the local leagues. Playing cards was second nature to Louie and he regularly enjoyed meeting his buddies for coffee at the Legion and getting in a 'few hands.' Louie was devoted to Vera, and seeing them together defined the term soul-mates. For many years the couple spent winters in Arizona, enjoying time with their son and daughter-in-law, David and Lucy, and grandson, Jonathan. Very sadly, Vera passed away last October 22nd. Louie deeply mourned her loss and looked forward to the time when they would be reunited. His loving family will forever remember him for his kind and gentle nature, and the smile that was always present. Family members include his daughter, Lori Gelen of Bemidji, MN; son and daughter-in-law, David and Lucy Gelen, and their son, Jonathan, of Chandler, AZ; sister-in-law, Florence Lundmark, of Bemidji; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to Vera, his beloved wife of 66 years, Louie was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Leora; and 3 sisters, Florence Evje, Hazel Jallen, and Olga Gelen, who died as a teen-ager. May God bless the memory of Louie Gelen. The funeral service for Louis O. Gelen will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN, with The Rev. Greg Isaacson, officiating. Visitation will be at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Military Honors will be provided by the Crookston Veterans Council and interment will be at Crookston's Oakdale Cemetery in the spring. Memorials may be given in Louie's name to the Trinity Lutheran Church. Online registry:
www.stenshoelhouske.com
Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716
Previous Events
ServiceWednesday, February 4, 2015
11:00 AM
Trinity Lutheran Church
205 South Broadway
Crookston, MN 56716
Visitation for one hour prior to the funeral service. Military Honors provided by the Crookston Veterans Council.
Cemetery Details
Location
Oakdale Cemetery
Memorial Drive
Crookston, MN 56716
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