Gerda Jean Saulsbury, 96, of Willmar, died Thursday, July 22nd at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Her funeral service will be at 1:00 pm, Friday, July 30th at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to her service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org
Gerda Jean Saulsbury was born December 13, 1924, in Artichoke Township in Swift County, the daughter of Michael and Minda (Stenstuen) Larson. Reaching the age of 96 years old – 7 months and 9 days. Gerda was baptized at Artichoke Lutheran Church and confirmed in the Christian faith at Drywood Lutheran Church in Swift County. She attended country school District 65 and graduated from Appleton High School in 1943. On January 21, 1944, Gerda was united in marriage to Edwin L. Haven who was killed in WWII. One son, Eddie, was born to this union. On January 5, 1946, Gerda was united in marriage to Kenneth Saulsbury. To this union three sons and one daughter were born. Gerda and Ken shared 67 years together. They lived in Appleton for 20 years before moving to Willmar in 1966. During this time, she worked as a Secretary for Saulsbury Plumbing, where she helped Ken for 17 years. Gerda was involved with the Willmar Senior Center as a Board Member and Secretary. She was also Sr. Queen in 2003. Gerda was also a member of Eagle Lake Lutheran Church where she was active in the Women’s circle, served as a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir and other activities there. Gerda enjoyed gardening flowers, feeding and watching birds, dancing, and spending time with her loving family.
Gerda is survived by her children: Robert (Janet) Saulsbury of Willmar, Lonny (Karen) Saulsbury of Cumberland, WI, and Bonnie (Pete) McKenzie; daughter-in-law, Jane Saulsbury of Murdock; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands: Kenneth and Edwin; sons: Ed Haven and Rick Saulsbury: granddaughter: Abby Saulsbury; daughter-in-law, Donna Saulsbury; parents; two brothers; and three sisters.
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