Gladys Ihlen

GLADYS MARIE IHLEN was born on March 19, 1934 to Serafein and Mary (Dhaemers) Willems, the youngest of twelve children, in Pipestone, Minnesota. She also grew up in Pipestone, Minnesota. On May 12, 1956, Gladys was united in marriage to Clayton Ihlen at First Lutheran Church in Pipestone. They made their home in Pipestone until moving to a farm north of Ihlen. To their union, five children were born. The couple farmed near Ihlen and during this time Gladys was a housewife and raised their children. She also worked as a dental hygienist and in school administration in Tyler, Minnesota. After the passing of her husband, Clayton; Gladys entered Jasper Sunrise Village and then the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone. She then moved to the Trinity Care Center in Farmington, Minnesota to be near her daughters. She passed away there peacefully on August 27, 2020 at the age of 86 years, five months, and eight days.

Gladys was a member of First Lutheran Church in Pipestone where she was a part of the circle and attended Bible studies. Glady was a good friend to many, and will be remembered for her wit, excellent cooking and baking skills; notably her and Dad’s famous lefse! She loved to play cards with friends and, while in care centers, enjoyed playing bingo! Most of all she loved her children and grandchildren dearly and being with them brought her endless joy!

Gladys is lovingly remembered by her children, Charles (Emily) Ihlen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Christie (Jeffrey) Christina of Burnsville, Minnesota, Mary Ihlen of Eagan, Minnesota, Thomas (Dee) Ihlen of Deerwood, Minnesota, and Amy (Karin Tellekson) Ihlen of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren, Sarah (John) Roemer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Andrew Christina of West Hollywood, California, Jacob (Maria) Christina of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Cody (McKenzie) Ihlen of Trosky, Minnesota and Abby (Tavo) Palacios of Pipestone, Minnesota; five great-grandchildren (with one more on the way); and one brother, Tom Willems of Garretson, South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, siblings, and parents.

Memorials are preferred and Gladys' family will disperse them in accordance with Gladys' wishes.