Mengis Funeral Home

Gyda was born to Martin and Gina (Gilbertson) Hatling on October 3, 1912, at home near Choice, the third of eight children.  She was a graduated of Rushford High School and attended Gale College.  After her schooling she married Archie Vitse on September 2, 1935 in Burr Oak, Iowa.  Gyda treasured her Norwegian heritage and always compelled her family and friends to preserve the happiness, values, traditions, and humor of the Norwegian culture.  She also greatly enjoyed antiquing, birding, traveling, taking pride in her doll collection, and celebrating birthdays.

Gyda passed away Friday, January 15, 2010 at the home of her sister Beatrice Doely in Spring Grove, Minnesota at the age of 97.

Gyda was preceded in death by her husband Archie on August 20, 1973 and brothers LaVane and Vernon, and sisters Alpha Rolfshus and Stella Larson.

Gyda is survived by her two sons Paul (LaVaughn) of Mabel, Minnesota and Gary (Lonnie) of Madison, Wisconsin, and two grandchildren David Vitse of Madison, and Sarah Vitse of Scottsdale, Arizona.  In addition, Gyda is survived by two sisters Elsie Hellickson of Caledonia and Beatrice Doely of Spring Grove, and one brother Rolf (Kathy) Hatling of Rushford.

Funeral services will be 11  AM Monday, January 18, 2010 at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel with the Rev. Gail Klavetter officiating.    Visitation will be from 4 - 6 Sunday, January 17th  at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church.  Burial will be in the  Mabel Lutheran  Cemetery.