Vera Gelen

Vera Gelen, age 90, of Crookston, Minnesota passed away peacefully on October 22, 2014 at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home. Vera was born on July 20, 1924 to Lambert and Evelina Lundmark in Leonard, Minnesota. In 1942, Vera graduated from Clearbrook High School, before going on to start her career. Directly out of high school, Vera moved to Washington D.C., where she was working in the War Department for 3 years. She was able to return to Bemidji, Minnesota, in 1945 to work for the Register of Deed's Office. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Louis Gelen, who was a paratrooper in World War II. Vera and Louis got married on October 31, 1948 at the First Lutheran Church in Bemidji. Vera was so proud of her husband's service to the United States, she even had her wedding dress made out of the material from Louis' parachute. Over the course of Vera and Louis' 65 year marriage, they were blessed with the adoption of their two children, Lori and David, whom Vera regarded as "the best thing to ever happen to her." Vera was a wonderful and loving mother, as it was in her heart to put everyone else's needs and wants ahead of her own, no matter who it may be. Upon moving back to Crookston, Vera worked for the Credit Bureau, Register of Deeds Office, Padden, Dickel, and Johanson Law Office, and Strander Abstract Company. Vera was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 60 years, and she loved her church family very much. She served her church in many ways which included being a Sunday School teacher, serving in the Altar Guild, WELCA, and leading bible study groups. She was also a devoted member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and served as a past president. Louis and Vera were able to spend many winters in Arizona, spending time with their son David, as well as his wife Lucy, and her grandson, Jonathan. When home, Vera enjoyed getting together with her family and friends for coffee, sometimes having it turn into "a little lunch" as well. For many years, Vera would always have a crossword puzzle that she was working on. Her extensive vocabulary led her to beat her daughter Lori in Scrabble, time and again. When Vera wasn't playing scrabble and working on crossword puzzles, she enjoyed cooking and baking Scandinavian meals and treats for her family and friends. The well-rounded woman that Vera was, she even participated on a bowling league for many years. Vera is described by all those who know her as the "epitome of grace". She was always happy and never without a smile on her face, no matter what life circumstances arose. Vera was a kind and loving woman, who will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Vera is survived by her faithful and loving husband Louis Gelen of Crookston; daughter Lori Gelen of Bemidji; son David (Lucy) Gelen of Chandler, Arizona; grandson Jonathan Gelen of Chandler, Arizona; sister-in-law Florence Lundmark of Bemidji; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Vera is preceded in death by her siblings Elna Monson, Esther Norman, Elsie Nordlund, Julia Hedin, Edwin Lundmark, and two infant brothers. May God bless Vera's memory. A funeral service and celebration of Vera's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 27, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, Minnesota with the Reverend Jo Gast, officiating. A visitation and time with Vera's family will be held one hour prior to the service, and Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service at Oakdale Cemetery. Online registry: www.stenshoelhouske.com

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Monday, October 27, 2014
Service
Monday, October 27, 2014
cemetery
Monday, October 27, 2014