Ruth Gronlund

Ruth Gronlund, 87, passed away July 17, 2021, at The Meadows of Wadena Senior Living, in Wadena,  under the compassionate care of Knute Nelson Hospice.

Funeral services were held  July 22 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wadena, with Pastor Stephen Meltzer presiding.

Burial was in Green Lawn Cemetery, Verndale.

Ruth was born April 24, 1934 to Heinrich “Henry” and Helene (Panknin) Berg in Schernow, Germany, near the Oder River. This area was given to Poland after WWII and the family had to leave. A rural home was found west of Berlin with a relative; however, it was in the Soviet zone and no one was allowed to leave. A clever trade was made with a woman who wished to live in the country with her children, so Ruth’s parents moved the family into Berlin until their migration number came up. At the age of 17, Ruth’s family had the opportunity to move to America: Park Rapids. Not knowing much English, school was quite difficult for Ruth and her sister, Elfriede. The support of the staff, students and community was always a fond remembrance for Ruth.

Ruth was united in marriage to Walter Raymond Gronlund on June 4, 1954, at the First Baptist Church in Park Rapids. They made their home and raised their family in Verndale, where Ruth was well known for baking beautiful wedding cakes. Ruth was a talented pianist and organist. She served as church organist at Redeemer Ltheran Church in Verndale and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bartlett Township. She taught piano lessons for many students.  Ruth also did the bookkeeping for Walt’s G & L Service station, which he purchased in 1952. Ruth enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cooking, participating in a homemaker’s group and her church circle. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. 

Ruth is survived by one  daughter, Nancy Helen Gronlund, of Grayslake, IL; one son, David Walter (Mary) Gronlund, of Verndale; two grandsons, Corey David and Ryan Walter; one sister, Elfriede (Harry) Rebiger; along with many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, on March 8, 2010; parents, Henry and Helene and in-laws, William and Hilda Gronlund.

Arrangements are with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Johnson-Schuller Chapel, Wadena, www.SchullerFamilyFH.com.

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