Gertrud Laurayne Kroshus Solem was born May 19, 1924 in Waterville, IA to John and Selma (Bergland) Hancock. She was baptized and confirmed at Waterville Lutheran Church. Gertrud graduated from Waterville High School. After graduation, she moved to Decorah where she worked at Woolworth’s.
On June 27, 1944, Gertrud was united in marriage to Byron Kroshus at the Waterville Lutheran Church and became an active farm wife while raising their three children: Beverly, Gary, and Julie. After Byron’s passing on February 22, 1978, she worked briefly at V&S Variety in Decorah. On November 15, 1980, Gertrud married Milford Solem at Highland Lutheran Church. After Milford retired from farming in 1994, they moved to Mabel MN. Milford passed away February 8th, 1998. Gert later moved to the Meadows of Mabel and in late 2021 became a resident of Green Lea Manor.
Gert truly treasured her family and enjoyed time spent and stories shared. Her many hobbies included sewing, quilting, crocheting and any euchre or 500 game she could find. As her vision diminished and crafting and card playing were no longer to be, she enjoyed Bingo at both the Meadows and Green Lea. After moving to Mabel, Gert could be seen walking as often as possible. She loved her walks around the Meadows and Green Lea up until 2020. She was also an active member of the Highland Lutheran Church WELCA and Priscilla circle.
Gert passed away Wednesday, April 26th at Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel at the age of 98.
Left to cherish her memory are Beverly (Dale) Cochran of Napa, CA, Julie (Jack) Kolka of Decorah, IA and daughter-in-law, Barb Kroshus of Decorah, IA. Grandchildren: Stephanie (Forrest) Chandler, Devin, Dana, and Will; Christa (Mike) Powers; Alicia (Kole) Quandahl, Isaac, Payson, Emmitt, and Ava; Sterling (Katie) Kolka, Gracie Erdmann, Archer, and Elma.
Gertrud was proceeded in death by her parents, husbands Byron and Milford, and son Gary Kroshus on January 27, 2023. Also proceeding her in death were her brother Ervin Hancock, sister and brother-in-law James and Catherine Gruber, and sister and brother-in-law Donald and Hazel Mae Stirn.
Funeral services will be 11 am, Saturday, April 29th at the Highland Lutheran Church in rural Decorah. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 9:30 – 11 a.m., Saturday prior to the service at the church.
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